CEDAR KNOLLS, N.J., July 23, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Emisphere Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB:EMIS) today announced that Novartis Pharma AG and its license partner Nordic Bioscience a/s (the "Sponsor") have reported the following in connection with their Phase III Study 2302 in osteoarthritis assessing the safety and efficacy of oral calcitonin in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. This study incorporates Emisphere's unique and proprietary Eligen® Drug Delivery Technology for the improved oral absorption of salmon calcitonin.
An independent Data Monitoring Committee ("DMC") conducted a futility analysis of one-year data for all patients enrolled in this two-year study, including assessments of safety and efficacy parameters. The DMC concluded that although there is no reason to stop Study 2302 because of safety concerns, there is no reason to continue the study for efficacy. The DMC also concluded that the final decision whether to continue Study 2302 rests with the Sponsor.
A parallel two-year Phase III Study 2301 in osteoarthritis assessing the safety and efficacy of oral calcitonin in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee is still in progress. In December 2009, the DMC conducted a futility analysis of one-year data for all patients enrolled in this two-year study, including assessments of safety and efficacy parameters, and recommended to continue with such Study.
The Sponsor currently intends to continue the clinical program of oral calcitonin in osteoarthritis, including both Phase III Study 2301 and Phase III Study 2302. Novartis and Nordic Bioscience will continue to work together to assess next steps once the final data of Study 2301 is available. This data is expected to be available in 4Q-2010. Additionally, the Sponsor currently intends to continue the clinical program of oral calcitonin in osteoporosis. Previously, in its quarterly earnings report for the period ended June 30, 2010, Novartis stated that oral calcitonin for the treatment of osteoporosis is planned to file with the regulatory authorities during 2011.
About Emisphere Technologies, Inc.
Emisphere is a biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the unique and improved delivery of therapeutic molecules or nutritional supplements using its proprietary Eligen® Technology. The Eligen® Technology can be applied to the oral route of administration as well as other delivery pathways such as buccal, rectal, inhalation, intra-vaginal or transdermal. The company's website is www.emisphere.com.
Safe Harbor Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The statements in this release and oral statements made by representatives of Emisphere relating to matters that are not historical facts (including without limitation those regarding the timing or potential outcomes of research collaborations or clinical trials, any market that might develop for any of Emisphere's product candidates and the sufficiency of Emisphere's cash and other capital resources) are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the likelihood that future research will prove successful, the likelihood that any product in the research pipeline will receive regulatory approval in the United States or abroad, the ability of Emisphere and/or its partners to develop, manufacture and commercialize products using Emisphere's drug delivery technology, Emisphere's ability to fund such efforts with or without partners, and other risks and uncertainties detailed in Emisphere's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including those factors discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in Emisphere's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 (file No. 000-17758), filed on March 25, 2010.