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ReShape Medical becomes the first to meet important endpoints in weight loss device pivotal trials
November 8, 2013 | By Anabela Farrica

Yesterday, November 7th, ReShape Medical announced it met the primary efficacy endpoints in its REDUCE trial for the ReShape Duo Intragastric Balloon, a non-surgical approach for weight loss.
With this achievement, ReShape Medical becomes the first company in the U.S. to meet its primary efficacy endpoints in a randomized, sham-controlled, pivotal trial for obesity. The assessed endpoints included weight loss and responder rates. The trial had met with great interest from patients and investigators, having reached full enrollment in less than six months. It involved 326 patients distributed over eight trial sites all over the U.S.
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DRUG SPOTLIGHT-Afinitor (everolimus) , Novartis:
Afinitor (everolimus)
40-O-(2-hydroxyethyl)-rapamycin
Company: Novartis
Approval Status: Approved July 2012
Treatment Area: hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer
Everolimus is a derivative of Rapamycin (sirolimus), and works similarly to Rapamycin as an mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) inhibitor. It is currently used as an immunosuppressant to prevent rejection of organ transplants. In a similar fashion to other mTOR inhibitors Everolimus’ effect is solely on the mTORC1 protein and not on the mTORC2 protein.
159351-69-6 CAS NO
BRANDS
| Afinitor | Novartis |
| Certican | Novartis |
| VOTUBIA | Novartis |
| Zortress | Novartis |
Afinitor (everolimus), an inhibitor of mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin), is an antineoplastic agent.
Afinitor is specifically approved for the treatment of postmenopausal women with advanced hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative…
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A good summary of anti-microbial drugs
It’s a shame that many (perhaps all?) of the links seem to be missing, because this page would otherwise be a great overview of anti-microbial drugs and their various mechanisms of action. Another benefit is that it uses the same book (Cowan) that we are using in our class.
Regardless, I suggest my micro students check it out.
INFARMED releases list of drugs subject to limited exportation rules
November 7 ,2013 | By Márcio Barra
INFARMED, the Portuguese National Competent Authority, has adopted a list of drugs whose export or outside distribution will depend on prior notification, in an effort to prevent Portuguese patients of being deprived of adequate therapy. Drugs in the list include Teva’s Parkinson’s disease drug Azilect, Pfizer’s painkiller Celebrex and Astrazeneca statin Crestor (full list after the break).
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Advaxis’s cancer vaccine gets FDA orphan status for treatment of HPV-associated head and neck cancer
US-based clinical-stage biotechnology firm Advaxis has received orphan drug designation from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its lead drug candidate ADXS-HPV to treat human papillomavirus (HPV) associated head and neck cancer patients.
Advaxis’s cancer vaccine gets FDA orphan status for treatment of HPV-associated head and neck cancer
PRINCETON, N.J., Nov 05, 2013 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Advaxis, Inc., /quotes/zigman/23528806/delayed/quotes/nls/adxs ADXS +2.61% , a leader in developing the next generation of cancer immunotherapies, announced that it has been granted Orphan Drug Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Office of Orphan Products Development (OOPD) for ADXS-HPV, its lead drug candidate, for the treatment of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated head and neck cancer.
Orphan Drug Designation is granted to drug therapies intended to treat diseases or conditions that affect fewer than 200,000 people in the United States. Orphan Drug Designation entitles the sponsor to clinical protocol assistance with the FDA, as well as federal grants, tax credits, and potentially a seven year market exclusivity period.
“We are very pleased to have been granted an orphan drug designation for ADXS-HPV in this unmet medical need,” commented Dr. Robert Petit, Chief Scientific Officer of Advaxis. “Patients with head and neck cancer have limited treatment options and we hope to improve their survival by developing ADXS-HPV for this indication. We plan to initiate an additional Phase 1/2 study in early stage head and neck cancer for ADXS-HPV with a nationally recognized center of excellence, and we will continue the ongoing Phase 1 study being sponsored by the University of Liverpool and Aintree University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust that is evaluating the safety and efficacy of ADXS-HPV when combined with standard chemotherapy and radiation treatment in patients with head and neck cancer.”
“Receiving orphan drug designation for ADXS-HPV in head and neck cancer is excellent news for a technology that may offer the potential to treat an indication with few therapy options, and, importantly, it helps define a clear path forward to registration,” commented Daniel J. O’Connor, President and Chief Executive Officer of Advaxis.
About Orphan Drug Designation
Under the Orphan Drug Act (ODA), the FDA may grant orphan designation to a drug or biological product intended to treat a rare disease or condition, which is generally a disease or condition that affects fewer than 200,000 individuals in the United States, or more than 200,000 individuals in the United States and for which there is no reasonable expectation that the cost of developing and making a drug or biological product available in the United States for this type of disease or condition will be recovered from sales of the product. The benefits of orphan drug designation can be substantial and include federal grants, tax credits, and potentially a seven year market exclusivity period once the product is approved, provided that the product is first to market.
In order for a sponsor to obtain orphan designation for a drug or biological product, an application must be submitted to OOPD, and the designation approved. The approval of an application for orphan designation is based upon the information submitted by the sponsor. A drug that has obtained orphan designation is said to have “orphan status.” Each designation request must stand on its own merit. Sponsors requesting designation of the same drug for the same indication as a previously designated product must submit their own data in support of their designation request. The approval of an orphan designation request does not alter the standard regulatory requirements and process for obtaining marketing approval. Safety and efficacy of a compound must be established through adequate and well-controlled studies.
About ADXS-HPV
ADXS-HPV is an immunotherapy that is designed to target cells expressing the HPV gene E7. Expression of the E7 gene from high-risk HPV variants is responsible for the transformation of infected cells into dysplastic and malignant tissues. Eliminating these cells can eliminate the dysplasia or malignancy. ADXS-HPV is designed to infect antigen-presenting cells and direct them to generate a powerful, cellular immune response to HPV E7. The resulting cytotoxic Tcells infiltrate and attack the tumors while specifically inhibiting tumor Tregs and MDSCs in the tumors that are protecting it.
About Head and Neck Cancer
Cancer of the head and neck includes cancers arising from mucosa lining the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, larynx, sinonasal tract, and nasopharynx. The most common histologic type observed is squamous cell carcinoma; therefore, the term “head and neck squamous cell carcinoma” (HNSCC) is frequently used to imply squamous cell carcinomas involving these anatomical sites. Excessive tobacco and alcohol are important risk factors for HNSCCs overall, but human papillomavirus (HPV) is now recognized as the causative agent in a subset of HNSCCs.
While the incidence of head and neck cancers that are linked to alcohol and tobacco use as the primary risk factor has fallen in the past three decades, a trend attributed to decreasing tobacco use in the United States, the incidence of HPV-associated head and neck cancer has been increasing. The increase was observed particularly among young individuals (<60 years of age), men, and Caucasians. Studies have shown that oral HPV infection is likely to be sexually acquired, as the increase in the incidence of HPV-associated head and neck cancers may be attributed to changing sexual practices. According to the World Health Organization’s Human Papillomavirus and Related Cancers in the World Summary Report 2010, HPV is associated with 20-50% of oral squamous cell carcinomas. HPV-associated head and neck cancer is growing at an epidemic rate in western countries; and occurs more frequently (3:1) in men than women. In the United States, the number of HPV-positive head and neck cancer cases has already equaled the number of cervical cancer cases.
About Advaxis, Inc.
Advaxis is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing the next generation of immunotherapies for cancer and infectious diseases. Advaxis immunotherapies are based on a novel platform technology using live, attenuated bacteria that are bio-engineered to secrete an antigen/adjuvant fusion protein(s) that is designed to redirect the powerful immune response all human beings have to the bacterium to the cancer itself.
ADXS-HPV is currently being evaluated in four clinical trials for human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated cancers: recurrent/refractory cervical cancer (India), locally advanced cervical cancer (GOG/NCI U.S. study, Clinical Trials.gov Identifier NCT01266460), head & neck cancer (CRUK study, Clinical Trials.gov Identifier NCT01598792), and anal cancer (BrUOG study, Clinical Trials.gov Identifier NCT01671488). Advaxis has over 15 distinct immunotherapies in various stages of development, developed directly by Advaxis and through strategic collaborations with recognized centers of excellence such as: the University of Pennsylvania, the Georgia Regents University Cancer Center, Brown University Oncology Group, and others.
ADXS-HPV is currently in Phase 1/2 clinical development for recurrent/refractory and advanced cervical cancer, HPV caused head and neck cancers, and anal cancer.
Links to ADXS-HPV trials:
ADXS-HPV is an immunotherapy that is designed to target cells expressing the HPV gene E7. Expression of the E7 gene from high-risk HPV variants is responsible for the transformation of infected cells into dysplastic and malignant tissues. Eliminating these cells can eliminate the dysplasia or malignancy. ADXS-HPV is designed to infect antigen-presenting cells and direct them to generate a powerful, cellular immune response to HPV E7. The resulting cytotoxic Tcells infiltrate and attack the tumors while specifically inhibiting tumor Tregs and MDSCs in the tumors that are protecting it.
The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be about 12,340 newly diagnosed cervical cancer cases and 7,060 newly diagnosed cases of anal cancer in the U.S. in 2013.
In 2009, the CDC reported that about 45% of women aged 20 to 24 had HPV. HPV causes a number of different types of cancer. The same types of genital HPV that cause cervical cancer (HPV-16, HPV-18) cause about 8 out of 10 squamous cell anal cancers. In addition, nearly half of cancers of the vulva and about 7 out of 10 vaginal cancers are HPV-related. Some other genital cancers (cancers of the penis and urethra) and some head and neck cancers (mostly the throat, tongue, and tonsils) are also related to high-risk types of HPV. For additional information about HPV, please visit: http://www.cancer.org/.

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DR ANTHONY MELVIN CRASTO Ph.D
Aeterna Zentaris Submits New Drug Application to FDA for Macimorelin Acetate (AEZS-130) for Evaluation of AGHD

Macimorelin
CAS 381231-18-1
Chemical Formula: C26H30N6O3
Exact Mass: 474.23794
Molecular Weight: 474.55480
Elemental Analysis: C, 65.80; H, 6.37; N, 17.71; O, 10.11
945212-59-9 (Macimorelin acetate)
AEZS-130
ARD-07
D-87875
EP-01572
EP-1572
JMV-1843
USAN (ab-26)
MACIMORELIN ACETATE
THERAPEUTIC CLAIM
Diagnostic agent for adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD)
CHEMICAL NAMES
1. D-Tryptophanamide, 2-methylalanyl-N-[(1R)-1-(formylamino)-2-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-, acetate (1:1)
2. N2-(2-amino-2-methylpropanoyl-N1-[(1R)-1-formamido-2-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]- D-tryptophanamide acetate
MOLECULAR FORMULA
C26H30N6O3.C2H4O2
MOLECULAR WEIGHT
534.6
SPONSOR
Aeterna Zentaris GmbH
CODE DESIGNATIONS
D-87575, EP 1572, ARD 07
CAS REGISTRY NUMBER
945212-59-9
Macimorelin (also known as AEZS-130, EP-1572) is a novel synthetic small molecule, acting as a ghrelin agonist, that is orally active and stimulates the secretion of growth hormone (GH). Based on results of Phase 1 studies, AEZS-130 has potential applications for the treatment of cachexia, a condition frequently associated with severe chronic diseases such as cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and AIDS. In addition to the therapeutic application, a Phase 3 trial with AEZS-130 as a diagnostic test for growth hormone deficiencies in adults has been completed.
http://www.ama-assn.org/resources/doc/usan/macimorelin-acetate.pdf
QUEBEC, Nov. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ – Aeterna Zentaris Inc. (the “Company”) today announced that it has submitted a New Drug Application (“NDA”) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) for its ghrelin agonist, macimorelin acetate (AEZS-130). Phase 3 data have demonstrated that the compound has the potential to become the first orally-approved product that induces growth hormone release to evaluate adult growth hormone deficiency (“AGHD”), with accuracy comparable to available intravenous and intramuscular testing procedures. read at
http://www.drugs.com/nda/macimorelin_acetate_131105.html
http://www.ama-assn.org/resources/doc/usan/macimorelin-acetate.pdf
macimorelin (JMV 1843), a ghrelin-mimetic growth hormone secretagogue in Phase III for adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD)
Macimorelin, a growth hormone modulator, is currently awaiting registration in the U.S. by AEterna Zentaris as an oral diagnostic test of adult growth hormone deficit disorder. The company is also developing the compound in phase II clinical trials for the treatment of cancer related cachexia. The compound was being codeveloped by AEterna Zentaris and Ardana Bioscience; however, the trials underway at Ardana were suspended in 2008 based on a company strategic decision. AEterna Zentaris owns the worldwide rights of the compound. In 2007, orphan drug designation was assigned by the FDA for the treatment of growth hormone deficit in adults.
New active series of growth hormone secretagogues
J Med Chem 2003, 46(7): 1191
WO 2001096300
WO 2007093820
…………………………
J Med Chem 2003, 46(7): 1191
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/jm020985q


Synthetic Pathway for JMV 1843 and Analoguesa
a Reagents and conditions: (a) IBCF, NMM, DME, 0 °C; (b) NH4OH; (c) H2, Pd/C, EtOH, HCl; (d) BOP, NMM, DMF, Boc-(d)-Trp-OH; (e) Boc2O, DMAP cat., anhydrous CH3CN; (f) BTIB, pyridine, DMF/H2O; (g) 2,4,5-trichlorophenylformate, DIEA, DMF; (h) TFA/anisole/thioanisole (8:1:1), 0 °C; (i) BOP, NMM, DMF, Boc-Aib-OH; (j) TFA/anisole/thioanisole (8:1:1), 0 °C; (k) RP preparative HPLC.
TFA, H-Aib-(d)-Trp-(d)-gTrp-CHO (7). 6 (1 g, 1.7 mmol) was dissolved in a mixture of trifluoroacetic acid (8 mL), anisole (1 mL), and thioanisole (1 mL) for 30 min at 0 °C. The solvents were removed in vacuo, the residue was stirred in ether, and the precipitated TFA, H-Aib-(d)-Trp-(d)-gTrp-CHO was filtered. 7 was purified by preparative HPLC and obtained in 52% yield. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) + correlation 1H−1H: δ 1.21 (s, 3H, CH3 (Aib)), 1.43 (s, 3H, CH3 (Aib)), 2.97 (m, 2H, (CH2)β), 3.1 (m, 2H, (CH2)β‘), 4.62 (m, 1H, (CH)αA and (CH)αB), 5.32 (q, 0.4H, (CH)α‘B), 5.71 (q, 0.6H, (CH)α‘A), 7.3 (m, 4H, H5 and H6 (2 indoles)), 7.06−7.2 (4d, 2H, H2A and H2B (2 indoles)), 7.3 (m, 2H, H4 or H7 (2 indoles)), 7.6−7.8 (4d, 2H, H4A and H4B or H7A and H7B), 7.97 (s, 3H, NH2 (Aib) and CHO (formyl)), 8.2 (d, 0.4H, NH1B (diamino)), 8.3 (m,1H, NHA and NHB), 8.5 (d, 0.6H, NH1A (diamino)), 8.69 (d, 0.6H, NH2A (diamino)), 8.96 (d, 0.4H, NH2B (diamino)), 10.8 (s, 0.6H, N1H1A (indole)), 10.82 (s, 0.4H, N1H1B (indole)), 10.86 (s, 0.6H, N1H2A (indole)), 10.91 (s, 0,4H, N1H2B (indole)). MS (ES), m/z: 475 [M + H]+, 949 [2M + H]+. HPLC tR: 16.26 min (conditions A).
…………………………..
http://www.google.com/patents/US8192719
The inventors have now found that the oral administration of growth hormone secretagogues (GHSs) EP 1572 and EP 1573 can be used effectively and reliably to diagnose GHD.
EP 1572 (Formula I) or EP 1573 (Formula II) are GHSs (see WO 01/96300, Example 1 and Example 58 which are EP 1572 and EP 1573, respectively) that may be given orally.
EP 1572 and EP 1573 can also be defined as H-Aib-D-Trp-D-gTrp-CHO and H-Aib-D-Trp-D-gTrp-C(O)NHCH2CH3. Wherein, His hydrogen, Aib is aminoisobutyl, D is the dextro isomer, Trp is tryptophan and gTrp is a group of Formula III:
…………………………….
http://www.google.com/patents/US6861409
Example 1 H-Aib-D-Trp-D-gTrp-CHO
Total synthesis (percentages represent yields obtained in the synthesis as described below):
Z-D-Tr-NH2
Z-D-Trp-OH (8.9 g; 26 mmol; 1 eq.) was dissolved in DME (25 ml) and placed in an ice water bath to 0° C. NMM (3.5 ml; 1.2 eq.), IBCF (4.1 ml; 1.2 eq.) and ammonia solution 28% (8.9 ml; 5 eq.) were added successively. The mixture was diluted with water (100 ml), and the product Z-D-Trp-NH2 precipitated. It was filtered and dried in vacuo to afford 8.58 g of a white solid.
Yield=98%.
C19H19N3O3, 337 g.mol−1.
Rf=0.46 {Chloroform/Methanol/Acetic Acid (180/10/5)}.
1H NMR (250 MHZ, DMSO-d6): δ 2.9 (dd, 1H, Hβ, Jββ′=14.5 Hz; Jβα=9.8 Hz); 3.1 (dd, 1H, Hβ′, Jβ′β=14.5 Hz; Jβ′α=4.3 Hz); 4.2 (sextuplet, 1H, Hα); 4.95 (s, 2H, CH2 (Z); 6.9-7.4 (m, 11H); 7.5 (s, 1H, H2); 7.65 (d, 1H, J=7.7 Hz); 10.8 (s, 1H, N1H).
Mass Spectrometry (Electrospray), m/z 338 [M+H]+, 360 [M+Na]+, 675 [2M+H]+, 697 [2M+Na]+.
Boc-D-Trp-D-Trp-NH2
Z-D-Trp-NH2 (3 g; 8.9 mmol; 1 eq.) was dissolved in DMF (100 ml). HCl 36% (845 μl; 1.1 eq.), water (2 ml) and palladium on activated charcoal (95 mg, 0.1 eq.) were added to the stirred mixture. The solution was bubbled under hydrogen for 24 hr. When the reaction went to completion, the palladium was filtered on celite. The solvent was removed in vacuo to afford HCl, H-D-Trp-NH2 as a colorless oil.
In 10 ml of DMF, HCl, H-D-Trp-NH2 (8.9 mmol; 1 eq.), Boc-D-Trp-OH (2.98 g; 9.8 mmol; 1.1 eq.), NMM (2.26 ml; 2.1 eq.) and BOP (4.33 g; 1.1 eq.) were added successively. After 1 hr, the mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate (100 ml) and washed with saturated aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate (200 ml), aqueous potassium hydrogen sulfate (200 ml, 1M), and saturated aqueous sodium chloride (100 ml). The organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and the solvent removed in vacuo to afford 4.35 g of Boc-D-Trp-D-Trp-NH2 as a white solid.
Yield=85%.
C27H31N5O4, 489 g.mol−1.
Rf=0.48 {Chloroform/Methanol/Acetic Acid (85/10/5)}.
1H NMR (200 MHZ, DMSO-d6): δ 1.28 (s, 9H, Boc); 2.75-3.36 (m, 4H, 2 (CH2)β; 4.14 (m, 1H, CHα); 4.52 (m, 1H, CHα′); 6.83-7.84 (m, 14H, 2 indoles (10H), NH2, NH (urethane) and NH (amide)); 10.82 (d, 1H, J=2 Hz, N1H); 10.85 (d, 1H, J=2 Hz, N1H).
Mass Spectrometry (Electrospray), m/z 490 [M+H]+, 512 [M+Na]+, 979 [2M+H]+.
Boc-D-(NiBoc)Trp-D-(NiBoc)Trp-NH2
Boc-D-Trp-D-Trp-NH2 (3 g; 6.13 mmol; 1 eq.) was dissolved in acetonitrile (25 ml).
To this solution, di-tert-butyl-dicarbonate (3.4 g; 2.5 eq.) and 4-dimethylaminopyridine (150 mg; 0.2 eq.) were successively added. After 1 hr, the mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate (100 ml) and washed with saturated aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate (200 ml), aqueous potassium hydrogen sulfate (200 ml, 1M), and saturated aqueous sodium chloride (200 ml). The organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and the solvent removed in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with ethyl acetate/hexane {5/5} to afford 2.53 g of Boc-D-(NiBoc)Trp-D-(NiBoc)Trp-NH2 as a white solid.
Yield=60%.
C37H47N5O8, 689 g.mol−1.
Rf=0.23 {ethyl acetate/hexane (5/5)}.
1H NMR (200 MHZ, DMSO-d6): δ 1.25 (s, 9H, Boc); 1.58 (s, 9H, Boc); 1.61 (s, 9H, Boc); 2.75-3.4 (m, 4H, 2 (CH2)β); 4.2 (m, 1H, CHα′); 4.6 (m, 1H, CHα); 7.06-8 (m, 14H, 2 indoles (10H), NH (urethane), NH and NH2 (amides)).
Mass Spectrometry (Electrospray), m/z 690 [M+H]+, 712 [M+Na]+, 1379 [2M+H]+, 1401 [2M+Na]+.
Boc-D-(NiBoc)Trp-D-g(NiBoc)Trp-H
Boc-D-(NiBoc)Trp-D-(NiBoc)Trp-NH2 (3 g; 4.3 mmol; 1 eq.) was dissolved in the mixture DMF/water (18 ml/7 ml). Then, pyridine (772 μl; 2.2 eq.) and Bis(Trifluoroacetoxy)IodoBenzene (2.1 g; 1.1 eq.) were added. After 1 hr, the mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate (100 ml) and washed with saturated aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate (200 ml), aqueous potassium hydrogen sulfate (200 ml, 1M), and aqueous saturated sodium chloride (200 ml). The organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and the solvent removed in vacuo. Boc-D-NiBoc)Trp-D-g(NiBoc)Trp-H was used immediately for the next reaction of formylation.
Rf=0.14 {ethyl acetate/hexane (7/3)}.
C36H47N5O7, 661 g.mol−1.
1H NMR (200 MHZ, DMSO-d6): δ 1.29 (s, 9H, Boc); 1.61 (s, 18H, 2 Boc); 2.13 (s, 2H, NH2 (amine)); 3.1-2.8 (m, 4H, 2 (CH2)β); 4.2 (m, 1H, CHα′); 4.85 (m, 1H, CHα); 6.9-8 (m, 12H, 2 indoles (10H), NH (urethane), NH (amide)).
Mass Spectrometry (Electrospray), m/z 662 [M+H]+, 684 [M+Na]+.
Boc-D-(NiBoc)Trp-D-g(NiBoc)Trp-CHO
Boc-D-(NiBoc)Trp-D-g(NiBoc)Trp-H (4.3 mmol; 1 eq.) was dissolved in DMF (20 ml). Then, N,N-diisopropylethylamine (815 μl; 1.1 eq.) and 2,4,5-trichlorophenylformate (1.08 g; 1.1 eq.) were added. After 30 minutes, the mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate (100 ml) and washed with saturated aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate (200 ml), aqueous potassium hydrogen sulfate (200 ml, 1M), and saturated aqueous sodium chloride (200 ml). The organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and the solvent removed in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with ethyl acetate/hexane {5/5} to afford 2.07 g of Boc-D-(NiBoc)Trp-D-g(NiBoc)Trp-CHO as a white solid.
Yield=70%.
C37H47N5O8, 689 g.mol−1.
Rf=0.27 {ethyl acetate/hexane (5/5)}.
1H NMR (200 MHZ, DMSO-d6): δ 1.28 (s, 9H, Boc); 1.6 (s, 9H, Boc); 1.61 (s, 9H, Boc); 2.75-3.1 (m, 4H, 2 (CH2)β); 4.25 (m, 1H, (CH)αA&B); 5.39 (m, 0.4H, (CH)α′B); 5.72 (m, 0.6H, (CH)α′A); 6.95-8.55 (m, 14H, 2 indoles (10H), NH (urethane), 2 NH (amides), CHO (formyl)).
Mass Spectrometry (Electrospray), m/z 690 [M+H]+, 712 [M+Na]+, 1379 [2M+H]+.
Boc-Aib-D-Trp-D-gTrp-CHO
Boc-D-(NiBoc)Trp-D-g(NiBoc)Trp-CHO (1.98 g; 2.9 mmol; 1 eq.) was dissolved in a -mixture of trifluoroacetic acid (16 ml), anisole (2 ml) and thioanisole (2 ml) for 30 minutes at 0° C. The solvents were removed in vacuo, the residue was stirred with ether and the precipitated TFA, H-D-Trp-D-gTrp-CHO was filtered.
TFA, H-D-Trp-D-gTrp-CHO (2.9 mmol; 1 eq.), Boc-Aib-OH (700 mg; 1 eq.), NMM (2.4 ml; 4.2 eq.) and BOP (1.53 g; 1.2 eq.) were successively added in 10 ml of DMF. After 1 hr, the mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate (100 ml) and washed with saturated aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate (200 ml), aqueous potassium hydrogen sulfate (200 ml, 1M), and saturated aqueous sodium chloride (200 ml). The organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate, filtered and the solvent removed in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with ethyl acetate to afford 1.16 g of Boc-Aib-D-Trp-D-gTrp-CHO as a white solid.
Yield=70%.
C31H38N6O5, 574 g.mol−1.
Rf=0.26 {Chloroform/Methanol/Acetic Acid (180/10/5)}.
1H NMR (200 MHZ, DMSO-d6): δ 1.21 (s, 6H, 2 CH3(Aib)); 1.31 (s, 9H, Boc); 2.98-3.12 (m, 4H, 2 (CH2)β); 4.47 (m, 1H, (CH)αA&B); 5.2 (m, 0.4H, (CH)α′B); 5.7 (m, 0.6H, (CH)α′A); 6.95-8.37 (m, 15H, 2 indoles (10H), 3 NH (amides), 1 NH (urethane) CHO (formyl)); 10.89 (m, 2H, 2 N1H (indoles)).
Mass Spectrometry (Electrospray), ml/z 575 [M+H]+, 597 [M+Na]+, 1149 [2M+H]+, 1171 [2M+Na]+.
H-Aib-D-Trp-D-gTrT-CHO
Boc-Aib-D-Trp-D-gTrp-CHO (1 g; 1.7 nmmol) was dissolved in a mixture of trifluoroacetic acid (8 ml), anisole (1 ml) and thioanisole (1 ml) for 30 minutes at 0° C. The solvents were removed in vacuo, the residue was stirred with ether and the precipitated TFA, H-Aib-D-Trp-D-gTrp-CHO was filtered.
The product TFA, H-Aib-D-Trp-D-gTrp-CHO was purified by preparative HPLC (Waters, delta pak, C18, 40×100 mm, 5 μm, 100 A).
Yield=52%.
C26H30N6O3, 474 g.mol−1.
1H NMR (400 MHZ, DMSO-d6)+1H/1H correlation: δ 1.21 (s, 3H, CH3 (Aib)); 1.43 (s, 3H, CH3 (Aib)); 2.97 (m, 2H, (CH2)β); 3.1 (m, 2H, (CH2)β′); 4.62 (m, 1H, (CH)αA&B); 5.32 (q, 0.4H, (CH)α′B); 5.71 (q, 0.6H, (CH)α′A); 7.3 (m, 4H5 and H6 (2 indoles)); 7.06-7.2 (4d, 2H, H2A et H2B (2 indoles)); 7.3 (m, 2H, H4 or H7 (2 indoles)); 7.6-7.8 (4d, 2H, H4A and H4B or H7A et H7B); 7.97 (s, 3H, NH2 (Aib) and CHO (Formyl));8.2 (d, 0.4H, NH1B (diamino)); 8.3 (m,1H, NHA&B); 8.5 (d, 0.6H, NH1A (diamino)); 8.69 (d, 0.6H, NH2A (diamino)); 8.96 (d, 0.4H, NH2B (diamino)); 10.8 (s, 0.6H, N1H1A (indole)); 10.82 (s, 0.4H, N1H1B (indole)); 10.86 (s, 0.6H, N1H2A (indole)); 10.91 (s, 0.4, N1H2B (indole)).
Mass Spectrometry (Electrospray), m/z 475 [M+H]+, 949 [2M+H]+.
………………………………
UPDATED INFO AS ON JAN 6 2014
Aeterna Zentaris NDA for Macimorelin Acetate in AGHD Accepted for Filing by the FDA
Quebec City, Canada, January 6, 2014 – Aeterna Zentaris Inc. (NASDAQ: AEZS) (TSX: AEZS) (the “Company”) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) has accepted for filing the Company’s New Drug Application (“NDA”) for its ghrelin agonist, macimorelin acetate, in Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency (“AGHD”). The acceptance for filing of the NDA indicates the FDA has determined that the application is sufficiently complete to permit a substantive review.
The Company’s NDA, submitted on November 5, 2013, seeks approval for the commercialization of macimorelin acetate as the first orally-administered product that induces growth hormone release to evaluate AGHD. Phase 3 data have demonstrated the compound to be well tolerated, with accuracy comparable to available intravenous and intramuscular testing procedures. The application will be subject to a standard review and will have a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (“PDUFA”) date of November 5, 2014. The PDUFA date is the goal date for the FDA to complete its review of the NDA.
David Dodd, President and CEO of Aeterna Zentaris, commented, “The FDA’s acceptance of this NDA submission is another significant milestone in our strategy to commercialize macimorelin acetate as the first approved oral product for AGHD evaluation. We are finalizing our commercial plan for this exciting new product. We are also looking to broaden the commercial application of macimorelin acetate in AGHD for use related to traumatic brain injury victims and other developmental areas, which would represent significant benefit to the evaluation of growth hormone deficiency, while presenting further potential revenue growth opportunities for the Company.”
About Macimorelin Acetate
Macimorelin acetate, a ghrelin agonist, is a novel orally-active small molecule that stimulates the secretion of growth hormone. The Company has completed a Phase 3 trial for use in evaluating AGHD, and has filed an NDA to the FDA in this indication. Macimorelin acetate has been granted orphan drug designation by the FDA for use in AGHD. Furthermore, macimorelin acetate is in a Phase 2 trial as a treatment for cancer-induced cachexia. Aeterna Zentaris owns the worldwide rights to this novel patented compound.
About AGHD
AGHD affects about 75,000 adults across the U.S., Canada and Europe. Growth hormone not only plays an important role in growth from childhood to adulthood, but also helps promote a hormonally-balanced health status. AGHD mostly results from damage to the pituitary gland. It is usually characterized by a reduction in bone mineral density, lean mass, exercise capacity, and overall quality of life.
About Aeterna Zentaris
Aeterna Zentaris is a specialty biopharmaceutical company engaged in developing novel treatments in oncology and endocrinology. The Company’s pipeline encompasses compounds from drug discovery to regulatory approval.

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DR ANTHONY MELVIN CRASTO Ph.D
Pfizer Receives FDA Approval for a Prior Approval Supplement for EMBEDA® (morphine sulfate and naltrexone hydrochloride) Extended Release Capsules CII
NEW YORK, November 04, 2013–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a Prior Approval Supplement for EMBEDA® (morphine sulfate and naltrexone hydrochloride) Extended Release Capsules CII.
The Prior Approval Supplement included an update to the EMBEDA manufacturing process that addressed the pre-specified stability requirement that led to the voluntary recall of EMBEDA from the market in March 2011. Pfizer anticipates product availability in the second quarter of 2014.
http://www.pharmalive.com/fda-oks-prior-approval-supplement-for-embeda

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Bristol-Myers Squibb files NDA in Japan for all-oral hepatitis C treatment
Bristol-Myers Squibb has filed a new drug application (NDA) to Japan’s Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Agency for the approval of an interferon-free and ribavirin-free treatment regimen for patients with chronic hepatitis C (HCV).
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Bristol-Myers Squibb files NDA in Japan for all-oral hepatitis C treatment
DRUG APPROVALS BY DR ANTHONY MELVIN CRASTO
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