Chelsea Therapeutics International, Ltd. (Nasdaq: CHTP [FREE Stock Trend Analysis]) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has acknowledged receipt of the New Drug Application (NDA) resubmission seeking approval to market NORTHERA™ (droxidopa), an orally active synthetic precursor of norepinephrine, for the treatment of symptomatic neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (NOH) in patients with primary autonomic failure (Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy and pure autonomic failure), dopamine beta hydroxylase deficiency and non-diabetic autonomic neuropathy. The FDA has deemed the resubmission a complete response to its March 28, 2012 Complete Response Letter and assigned a new Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) goal date of January 3, 2014.
"Northera holds the potential to serve as an important new therapeutic option for patients living with the debilitating effects of NOH," said Joseph G. Oliveto, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Chelsea. "FDA acknowledgement of the completeness of our NDA resubmission is another key milestone in reaching this goal. We will continue to work closely with the FDA toward an approval decision for Northera by early next year, and advance our commercial strategy in anticipation of a U.S. commercial launch soon after this."
Northera was previously granted Orphan Drug Designation and received Fast Track designation from the FDA. Fast Track designation is designed to facilitate the review of products that address serious or potentially life-threatening conditions for which there is an unmet medical need.
About Symptomatic NOH
NOH is a chronic neurogenic disorder resulting from deficient release of norepinephrine that predominantly affects patients with primary autonomic failure, a group of diseases which includes Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple system atrophy (MSA) and pure autonomic failure (PAF). Symptoms of NOH include: dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision, fatigue, poor concentration, and fainting episodes when a person assumes a standing position, often severely limiting a person's ability to perform routine daily activities that require standing or walking for both short and long periods of time.
About Northera
NORTHERA™ (droxidopa), the lead investigational agent in Chelsea Therapeutics' pipeline, is currently in Phase III development for the treatment of symptomatic neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (NOH) in patients with primary autonomic failure — an indication that includes a significant number of patients with Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy (MSA) and pure autonomic failure (PAF). Droxidopa is a synthetic catecholamine that is directly converted to norepinephrine (NE) via decarboxylation, resulting in increased levels of NE in the nervous system, both centrally and peripherally.
Droxidopa, developed by and licensed from Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd. (DSP), initially received Japanese approval in 1989 for the treatment of frozen gait and dizziness on standing associated with Parkinson's Disease and for the treatment of orthostatic hypotension, syncope or dizziness on standing associated with Shy-Drager syndrome and Familial Amyloidotic Polyneuropathy. In 2000, Droxidopa received expanded marketing approval to include prevention of vertigo, dizziness and weakness associated with orthostatic hypotension in hemodialysis patients.
About Chelsea Therapeutics
Chelsea Therapeutics (Nasdaq: CHTP) is a biopharmaceutical development company that acquires and develops innovative products for the treatment of a variety of human diseases, including central nervous system disorders. Chelsea is currently pursuing FDA approval in the U.S. for Northera™ (droxidopa), a novel, late-stage, orally-active therapeutic agent for the treatment of symptomatic neurogenic orthostatic hypotension in patients with primary autonomic failure. For more information about the Company, visit www.chelseatherapeutics.com.
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