News

Dizlin Pharmaceuticals presented efficacy data from the IPO-001 pharmacokinetic cross-over study comparing Infudopa SubC (DIZ102), Infudopa IntraV (DIZ101), and LCIG (Duodopa) at the International Congress of Parkinson´s Disease and Movement Disorders in Copenhagen

By |2023-09-15T15:46:47+02:00September 13th, 2023|

Gothenburg, Sweden, September 13, 2023 – Dizlin Pharmaceuticals AB, a research-based pharmaceutical development company with focus on diseases of the central nervous system, has presented efficacy data from the IPO-001 pharmacokinetic cross-over study comparing Infudopa SubC (DIZ102), Infudopa IntraV (DIZ101), and LCIG (Duodopa) at the International Congress of Parkinson´s Disease and Movement Disorders in Copenhagen, August 27-31.

As reported in a previous paper, pharmacokinetic data from a cross-over trial comparing Infudopa SubC® (DIZ102) (levodopa plus carbidopa administered subcutaneously), Infudopa IntraV® (DIZ101) (levodopa plus carbidopa administered intravenously), and LCIG (Duodopa®) (levodopa plus carbidopa administered intestinally) in 18 patients with Parkinson´s disease revealed the three treatments to produce similar plasma levels of levodopa during a 16h infusion; in contrast, plasma carbidopa levels were higher with Infudopa SubC and Infudopa IntraV than with LCIG (Bergquist et al, Neurology 2022: 99: e965-e976).

Efficacy data from the same trial have now been reported as a poster at the International Congress of Parkinson´s Disease and Movement Disorders in Copenhagen August 27-31 – Bergquist et al, Motor function in Parkinson’s disease during 16h treatment with intravenously(DIZ101), subcutaneously (DIZ102), or intestinally (LCIG) infused levodopa.

The participants of the study had been video-recorded at baseline and at five different occasions while performing tasks from the motor examination part of the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS); these recordings were subsequently evaluated by raters blinded with respect to treatment. In addition, motor function was measured using a wrist-worn device monitoring bradykinesia, dyskinesia, and tremor (Parkinson KinetiGraph®).

Neither of the assessments suggested inferior efficacy of Infudopa administered subcutaneously or intravenously as compared to LCIG administered intestinally.

“It should be underlined that efficacy was not a primary effect parameter of this study, and that the trial was not designed to detect subtle differences in this regard”, says Björn Velin, CEO of Dizlin Pharmaceuticals. “Nevertheless, we are highly encouraged by the observation that there was no tendency for inferior symptom reduction with Infudopa SubC or Infudopa IntraV as compared to LCIG, the latter being the golden standard for advanced levodopa treatment in patients with Parkinson´s disease and experiencing motor fluctuations when on oral levodopa. Obtaining similar efficacy as with LCIG, but with a non-invasive route of administration, as with Infudopa SubC, would be a major step forward with respect to the treatment of this disabling condition”.

“The outcome shows that subcutaneous administration of a continuously buffered levodopa solution could be a feasible technique to safely and rapidly obtain high and stable levodopa levels in patients with Parkinson´s disease”, says principal investigator Filip Bergquist, MD, senior consultant in neurology and professor of pharmacology.

Link to the poster

For more information, please contact:
Björn Velin, CEO, Dizlin Pharmaceuticals AB
Cell phone: + 46 (0)76 879 2325, e-mail: bjorn.velin@dizlin.se

CEO Letter, Summer 2023

By |2023-06-15T13:04:49+02:00June 15th, 2023|

During the spring, Dizlin Pharmaceuticals has continued to focus on our prioritized projects: patent, pump development, preclinical pilot study, and – not least – further exchange with FDA and Swedish MPA

The development program for the pump that will be used for treatment Infudopa SubC™ in outpatient care is now ready and the pump has been successfully tested in a pilot preclinical study. The validation process required is ongoing with the aim to submit for CE marking by the end of this year. We are very pleased with our collaboration with the pump developer FDE and highly satisfied with the result.

We have received encouraging feedback from the US authorities (FDA) regarding SubC. FDA accepted our planned road for approval which hence is now settled. As planned, it will be restricted to a small pharmacokinetic study in healthy volunteers and a safety study in patients with Parkinson´s disease. FDA accepted that this study be conducted in Europe only, which will reduce the costs significantly as compared to if we would have to include trial centers also in US.

We also had a scientific advice meeting with the Swedish MPA (Läkemedelsverket) again with encouraging outcome. The agency hence agreed with our suggestion that a small preclinical study and the safety study in patients mentioned above would be sufficient for getting a marketing approval in Sweden/EU.

It may be added that we also plan to conduct small pilot study in patients with Parkinson´s disease to make sure that everything pump-related is working as planned before starting the larger safety study. This pilot study is however not required by the authorities.

Regarding our patent, Dizlin is very happy to announce that we have now got an approved patent for US (please see press release 25 April) which is the most important market in the world.  As already mentioned in a previous newsletter, Dizlin has obtained approval of similarly broad patents application for Infudopa SubC™ as well as Infudopa IntraV™ in EU, Japan (second biggest market in the world), South Africa and Mexico.

As previously announced, the excellent pharmacokinetic data from the IPO-001 study – showing Infudopa SubC to produce high and even levels of levodopa – have been published in a highly ranked medical journal, Neurology, where our paper was accompanied by a supportive editorial comment. In a second publication based on the same study, which will be submitted to an international journal before the end of June, the effect of the treatment on Parkinson symptoms will be presented.

The board of Directors of Dizlin has decided to initiate a capital raise process, a “Pre-IPO”, together with Västra Hamnen Corporate Finance, which has a long experience and a good track record; they recently received a prize from Affärsvärlden, a leading Swedish business magazine, for best IPO 2022 in Sweden. We will update all shareholders with additional information related to this process shortly.

The main objective for raising capital is to secure a continuation of our development program:

  • Completion of the CMC development (i.e., the mandatory activities ensuring that a new product may be safely manufactured).
  • Submission of a registration application to the EMA for Infudopa IntraV™
  • Finalization of the pump validation process (including a usability study).
  • Completion of the above-mentioned preclinical safety study.
  • The above-mentioned pilot study in out-patients with Parkinson’s disease – where Infudopa SubC for the first time will be administered using the novel pump – the purpose of which is to ensure the feasibility of the trial design planned for the larger tolerability study.

These activities will take us a long way in our development plan, where the results expected from the pilot study – that Infudopa SubC indeed is an attractive option for patients in advanced stages of Parkinson´s disease – are likely to make Dizlin even more attractive for investors and potential buyers.

Wishing you a nice summer

Björn Velin
CEO, Dizlin Pharmaceuticals AB

Dizlin Pharmaceuticals receives patent approval in the USA

By |2023-04-25T21:41:04+02:00April 25th, 2023|

Gothenburg, Sweden, April 25th, 2023 – Dizlin Pharmaceuticals AB, a research-based pharmaceutical development company with focus on diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), today announces a patent approval in the USA

Dizlin Pharmaceuticals has secured a solid patent protection concerning the innovations of Infudopa SubC and Infudopa IntraV for the treatment of advanced Parkinson’s Disease (PD) in the USA – the biggest pharma market in the world. As announced earlier, Dizlin Pharmaceuticals also has patent protection for, among others, Europe, Mexico, and Japan (which is the second biggest PD market).

“This robust patent protection, which will expire in 2039, will give us many years at the market without generic entrance and this was exactly what we had hoped for”, says Björn Velin, CEO of Dizlin Pharmaceuticals. “We have now secured a solid patent protection in the most important markets in the world – USA, Europe, and Japan – and more approved patents are likely to arrive later this year.”

This release discusses patent.  There is no guarantee that any investigational uses of such product will successfully complete clinical development or gain health authority approval.

For more information, please contact:
Björn Velin, CEO, Dizlin Pharmaceuticals AB
Cell phone: + 46 (0)76 879 2325, e-mail: bjorn.velin@dizlin.se

The information was released for public disclosure, through the agency of the contact person above, on April 25th, 2023.

About Infudopa IntraV™
Infudopa IntraV™ (DIZ101) is a levodopa-carbidopa solution aimed to be administered intravenously using infusion pumps to inpatients who cannot receive oral administration of levodopa when being the subject of surgery with general anesthesia.

About Infudopa SubC™
Infudopa SubC™ (DIZ102) is a levodopa-carbidopa solution intended for outpatient treatment. Used with a portable twin pump enabling continuous mixing prior to infusion, Infudopa SubC™ is aimed as monotherapy for subjects who experience moderate to severe motor fluctuations when receiving oral administration of levodopa. When reaching the patient, Infudopa SubC™ displays a physiologically acceptable pH which also seems to optimize efficient levodopa uptake. The shelf life is 36 months in refrigerator and at least three months at room temperature, which would represent a significant logistic advantage for patients, e.g., when traveling.

About Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson´s disease (PD) is a serious neurodegenerative disease afflicting more patients than multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, and myasthenia gravis combined. Characterized by bradykinesia (poverty of motion), tremor, and muscular rigidity, and caused by degeneration of neurons using dopamine as transmitter, PD is a chronic and progressive condition, with a prevalence of 1% over the age of 60 and 3% of those over 75.

About Dizlin Pharmaceuticals
Dizlin Pharmaceuticals AB is a privately held Swedish research-based pharmaceutical development company with focus on diseases of the central nervous system in general and on developing improved treatment for advanced stages of Parkinson’s disease in particular. The company conducts research in collaboration with researchers at the University of Gothenburg and Linköping University in Sweden.

The company has developed a new patented method for treatment of advanced stages of Parkinson’s disease. Dizlin Pharmaceuticals has two products in late phase development stage. The first – Infudopa IntraV™ – is administered intravenously to minimize risks associated with surgery on patients with Parkinson’s disease. The second – Infudopa SubC™ – is administered as a continuous subcutaneous infusion by means of a portable pump (similar to insulin infusion for diabetes).

CEO Letter, December 2022

By |2022-12-27T13:48:26+01:00December 24th, 2022|

Dizlin has during the autumn continued to work on prioritized projects according to the updated project plan. Progress has been made with pharmaceutical development, pump development and the regulatory application process.  

The extensive work with Chemistry Manufacturing and Controls (CMC) – specifically the analyses and documentation required for us to be able to submit a registration application for Infudopa IntraV™ at the end of next year – has gone well and is on schedule.

The development program for the pump which will be used for treatment Infudopa SubC™ in outpatient care is in the final phase. A working prototype has been developed and we will have a number of pumps for use in clinical studies early next year. We are very satisfied with the pump thus far as well as the collaboration with the pump development partner FDE. 

Extensive work to compile data related to the Pre-IND for Infodopa SubC™ has also recently been completed. The Pre-IND is the documentation that the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) will use to be able to provide us guidance on what is required for an approval in the USA. A response from the FDA is expected at the beginning of March 2023. 

As previously announced, Dizlin has received a broad patent approval for Infudopa in the EU. Some time ago we also received the news that we have been granted patents in Mexico and Japan, which is very positive, as Japan is the world’s second largest market for Parkinson’s disease. We do not yet have a granted patent in the United States, but based on the latest opinion from the patent authority, there is a high likelihood that we will be granted strong patent protection in the United States. We see the progress related to our intellectual property as very positive.

Another welcome piece of news is that the results of the important pharmacokinetic study for both Infudopa SubC™ and Infudopa IntraV™ – study IPO-001 – were published in the respected journal Neurology on 6 September, which also resulted in a positive editorial in the same issue. 

Despite this positive news, there are clouds of concern related to a number of well-known external factors – uncertain macro situation with rising inflation and interest rates, and a falling stock market as a result, make it increasingly difficult to raise capital. We continue to work actively with the planned capital raise and have contact with strategic investors, funds and private investors.

Our ambition is to raise a total of SEK 100 million.

The capital requirement relates to the implementation of the following activities:

  •   Completion of the CMC development and submission of a registration application to the EMA for Infudopa IntraV™
  •   Completion of the pre-clinical work for both Infudopa SubC™
  •   The performance of the pharmacokinetic study on healthy volunteers that is required by the FDA for both Infudopa SubC™ and IntraV™
  •   Submission of a registration application to the FDA for Infudopa IntraV™
  •   The implementation of a small pilot study with the newly developed pump in patients with Parkinson’s disease for Infudopa SubC™

SEK 100 million would take us a long way in our development plan – all the way to the submission of registration applications for Infudopa IntraV™ and up to the initiation of the tolerability study for Infudopa SubC and we continue to work actively to raise this capital. 

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2023

Björn Velin
CEO, Dizlin Pharmaceuticals AB

Dizlin Pharmaceuticals publishes data from pharmacokinetic study (PK) (IPO-001) with Infudopa SubC (DIZ102) and Infudopa IntraV (DIZ101) in Neurology

By |2022-09-07T10:42:34+02:00September 7th, 2022|

Gothenburg, Sweden, September 7, 2022 – Dizlin Pharmaceuticals AB, a research-based pharmaceutical development company with focus on diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), announces that an article has been published in Neurology®, from the American Academy of Neurology®, describing data from the company’s IPO-001 pharmacokinetic cross-over study.   

  • In a pharmacokinetic cross-over study comprising 18 evaluable subjects with advanced Parkinson´s disease, levodopa/carbidopa solutions with a pH of 5.5 were produced by continuous buffering shortly prior to intravenous (DIZ101) or subcutaneous (DIZ102) administration.
  • During the 16h of infusion, both DIZ101 and DIZ102 displayed plasma levels of levodopa comparable to those obtained by means of dose-adjusted intestinal administration of a levodopa/carbidopa gel (Duodopa, LCIG) – predefined bioequivalence aims of the study were hence met.
  • The bioavailability of levodopa was 100% with subcutaneous administration of DIZ102 and 80% with intestinal administration of LCIG.
  • Skin-related side effects were generally absent or mild.

“The outcome shows that subcutaneous administration of a continuously buffered levodopa solution could be a feasible technique to safely and rapidly obtain high and stable levodopa levels in patients with Parkinson´s disease”, says principal investigator Filip Bergquist, MD, senior consultant in neurology and professor of pharmacology.

“The data were those that we had hoped for,” says Björn Velin, CEO of Dizlin Pharmaceuticals. “The results suggest that DIZ102 (Infudopa SubC™), administered by means of a portable twin pump, may serve as a levodopa/carbidopa monotherapy for patients requiring high levodopa levels but experience motor fluctuations when receiving oral administration. The rapid uptake of levodopa from the subcutaneous tissue would enable considerable flexibility in dosing, which we also regard as an important advantage. Unlike intestinal administration of a levodopa/carbidopa gel, Infudopa SubC™ requires no surgery and displays considerable room temperature stability prior to mixing.”

The article in Neurology is accessible for free at:  https://n.neurology.org/content/99/10/e965

This release discusses investigational uses of products in development and is not intended to convey conclusions about efficacy or safety. There is no guarantee that any investigational uses of such product will successfully complete clinical development or gain health authority approval.

For more information, please contact:
Björn Velin, CEO, Dizlin Pharmaceuticals AB
Cell phone: + 46 (0)76 879 2325, e-mail: bjorn.velin@dizlin.se

The information was released for public disclosure, through the agency of the contact person above, on September 7, 2022.

About Infudopa IntraV™
Infudopa IntraV™ (DIZ101) is a levodopa-carbidopa solution aimed to be administered intravenously using infusion pumps to inpatients who cannot receive oral administration of levodopa when being the subject of surgery with general anesthesia.

About Infudopa SubC™
Infudopa SubC™ (DIZ102) is a levodopa-carbidopa solution intended for outpatient treatment. Used with a portable twin pump enabling continuous mixing prior to infusion, Infudopa SubC™ is aimed as monotherapy for subjects who experience moderate to severe motor fluctuations when receiving oral administration of levodopa. When reaching the patient, Infudopa SubC™ displays a physiologically acceptable pH which also seems to optimize efficient levodopa uptake. The shelf life is 36 months in refrigerator and at least three months at room temperature, which would represent a significant logistic advantage for patients, e.g., when traveling.

About Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson´s disease (PD) is a serious neurodegenerative disease afflicting more patients than multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, and myasthenia gravis combined. Characterized by bradykinesia (poverty of motion), tremor, and muscular rigidity, and caused by degeneration of neurons using dopamine as transmitter, PD is a chronic and progressive condition, with a prevalence of 1% over the age of 60 and 3% of those over 75.

About Dizlin Pharmaceuticals
Dizlin Pharmaceuticals AB is a privately held Swedish research-based pharmaceutical development company with focus on diseases of the central nervous system in general and on developing improved treatment for advanced stages of Parkinson’s disease in particular. The company conducts research in collaboration with researchers at the University of Gothenburg and Linköping University in Sweden.

The company has developed a new patented method for treatment of advanced stages of Parkinson’s disease. Dizlin Pharmaceuticals has two products in late phase development stage. The first – Infudopa IntraV™ – is administered intravenously to minimize risks associated with surgery on patients with Parkinson’s disease. The second – Infudopa SubC™ – is administered as a continuous subcutaneous infusion by means of a portable pump (similar to insulin infusion for diabetes).

PR 20220907 DIZ101 Neurology

CEO Letter, Summer 2022

By |2023-04-25T20:34:36+02:00August 15th, 2022|

During the first half of the year we continued our focus on the further development of Dizlin’s potential treatments for late stage Parkinson’s disease. During the summer we completed an additional financing round from current shareholders which allows us to continue with the current prioritized activities. 

An update on these prioritized activities is as follows: 

The development of the Infudopa SubC™ pump, which has been identified as the single most important activity at the moment, is proceeding according to plan. We expect to have a working prototype at the end of September and a pump which can be used in clinical trials at year end.

A peer-reviewed article containing results from our completed IPO-001 study, which was previously announced, has been accepted to a highly regarded scientific journal. The article is already published in a short version (abstract) and will shortly be published in its entirety.  We look forward to communicating more once the article is published in its entirety. 

The work with Infudopa IntraV™ has intensified and given high priority in order to reach a registration in one or more countries in Europe as soon as possible. In parallel with this, the planning continues for the upcoming study which will form the basis for an approval for Infudopa IntraV™ in the USA (FDA).

We are also proceeding with the Pre-IND (Investigational New Drug) application for Infudopa SubC™ as well as hydrazine testing and a detailed market analysis for Infudopa IntraV™. The market analysis for Infudopa IntraV™ is expected to provide us with feedback from payers and physicians regarding pricing, product profile, product positioning and commercial opportunity.  

August 2022

Björn Velin
CEO, Dizlin Pharmaceuticals AB

Dizlin Pharmaceuticals AB appoints Daniel Mackey as Chief Financial Officer

By |2021-11-02T13:49:44+01:00November 1st, 2021|

Dizlin Pharmaceuticals announces the appointment of Daniel Mackey as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) effective as of November 1, 2021.

Daniel Mackey brings to Dizlin Pharmaceuticals more than 20 years of finance and controlling experience. Prior to joining the company, Daniel has a background in the finance and life science sector. He has held senior management positions at Nordea in Stockholm, Investors Trust Ireland in Dublin, and most recently the CFO position at Infant Bacterial Therapeutics AB, a pharmaceutical company listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. He holds a BS, Economics from State University of New York College at Plattsburgh, in the US.

“I am pleased to announce that Daniel Mackey has joined our Executive Management Team as CFO. Daniel’s competence, extensive experience in finance and controlling as well as his strategic knowledge will play an important role for Dizlin Pharmaceuticals moving forward. We are excited to have him on board,” says Björn Velin, CEO of Dizlin Pharmaceuticals.

“I look forward to contribute and advance Dizlin Pharmaceuticals’ financial and business objectives that will support and further strengthen the company’s position as a pharmaceutical research company developing new innovative treatments for late stages of Parkinson´s disease,” added Daniel Mackey, Dizlin Pharmaceuticals’ Chief Financial Officer.

Michael Owens, who previously held the position as CFO will continue as Controller, thus ensuring a smooth transition, as well as supporting the company regarding external financial reporting matters.

For more information, please contact:

Björn Velin, CEO of Dizlin Pharmaceuticals AB, + 46 (0)76 879 2325, bjorn.velin@dizlin.se

Dizlin Pharmaceuticals has obtained a “Decision to Grant” by the European Patent Office for Infudopa SubC™, a new potential treatment for Parkinson’s disease

By |2021-11-02T13:48:03+01:00February 4th, 2021|

Dizlin Pharmaceuticals announced today that the European Patent Office (EPO) has issued a Decision to Grant a European patent pursuant to Article 97(1) EPC following examination of European patent application No. 18730319.3. The mention of the Grant was published in the European Patent Bulletin 21/04 on the 27th of January 2021. The Decision to Grant refers to Infudopa SubC™, a new potential treatment for reducing motor complications of Parkinson’s disease via continuous subcutaneous infusion.

A granted patent by EPO will protect the company’s innovative product Infudopa SubC™ for treatment of Parkinson’s disease in all markets in Europe, which have agreed to the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) agreement.

”Strong patents are a prerequisite for successfully commercializing Dizlin Pharmaceutical’s scientific advances. I am therefore pleased to announce that the European Patent Office has decided to issue a Decision to Grant for the company’s innovative product Infudopa SubC™ for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. This is an important milestone, not only pursuing the company’s patent strategy, but also in our aim to improve the lives of the Parkinson patients,” says Björn Velin, CEO of Dizlin Pharmaceuticals.

For more information, please contact:
Björn Velin, CEO of Dizlin Pharmaceuticals AB, + 46 (0)76 879 2325, bjorn.velin@dizlin.se

Positive final results from pharmacokinetic study (PK) with Infudopa SubC™ and Infudopa IntraV™ (IPO-001)

By |2020-11-25T15:14:50+01:00November 24th, 2020|

In a pharmacokinetic cross-over study, 18 patients with Parkinson´s disease were assessed for 16 hours with respect to blood levels of levodopa when administered levodopa plus carbidopa subcutaneously (Infudopa SubC™), intravenously (Infudopa IntraV™) or intestinally (Duodopa®/Duopa®).

The primary aims of the study, to show bioequivalence of Infudopa SubC™ and Duodopa®/Duopa® with respect to levodopa levels in plasma, and non-inferiority with respect to plasma level fluctuations, were all met. A comparison of levodopa levels following Infudopa SubC™ and Infudopa IntraV™, respectively, shows levodopa bioavailability for Infudopa SubC™ to be close to 100%. Effects on motor symptoms were the same for the three treatment groups. Local side effects of Infudopa SubC™ at the infusion site were mild or moderate.

“We are very much encouraged by these results that show that all the primary aims of the study were met,” says Björn Velin, CEO of Dizlin Pharmaceuticals. “The rapid increase in levodopa levels following subcutaneous administration, and the high concentrations obtained, indicate that Infudopa SubC™ may serve as a flexible monotherapy also for patients requiring high levodopa doses.”

For more information, please contact:
Björn Velin, CEO, Dizlin Pharmaceuticals AB
Mobile: + 46 (0)76 879 23 25
E-mail: bjorn.velin@dizlin.se

Report from the General Meeting of Dizlin Pharmaceuticals AB

By |2020-10-06T11:53:31+02:00May 28th, 2020|

Dizlin Pharmaceuticals held a General Meeting on May 28, 2020.

The ordinary board members Leif Bring, Staffan Schüberg, Elias Eriksson, Anders Stenström and Nil Dizdar were re-elected. Anders Tullgren, Åsa Hansdotter and Johan von Heijne were elected as new board members. Leif Bring was re-elected as Chairman of the Board. All were elected for a term of office extending until the end of the next Annual General Meeting.

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