Stiefel discusses significance of Hyphanox investigation

Stiefel has reached a significant step in the advancement of Hyphanox (itraconazole), it has stated.

The tablet formulation of the drug, which has been produced using the Meltrex technology, has been examined in a phase III clinical trial.

Some 1,381 patients across a number of countries were enrolled in the study, which was the largest controlled investigation of onychomycosis ever undertaken.

The results showed 22.3 per cent of those treated with Hyphanox tablets met the primary endpoints ? the mycological cure of the toenail fungal infection at nine months ? compared to 21.7 per cent of the patients who took itraconazole capsules.

Gavin Corcoran, Stiefel’s chief scientific officer, commented on the clinical study.

He said: “The completion of this trial is an important milestone in the development of this formulation and we are grateful for the efforts of all the investigators involved in this pivotal study.”

In other news, the company signed an agreement with GlaxoSmithKline in April to create a new specialist dermatology business, which will operate under the name Stiefel.