Is this Pharma learning the hard way?

From Fierce Biotech
IMPAX Laboratories Receives FDA Non-Approvable Letter for Vadova(R); Company Considering Options
1/30/2008

HAYWARD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--IMPAX Laboratories, Inc. (OTC:IPXL - News) today announced that it has received a non-approvable letter from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concerning its new drug application (NDA) and subsequent submissions for Vadova® (carbidopa/levodopa extended release) tablets. The FDA’s action was primarily based on unresolved issues relating to product nomenclature and its belief of a likelihood of medication errors resulting from confusion of Vadova with other marketed forms of carbidopa/levodopa.

The NDA, which was originally filed in April 2005, was deemed non-approvable in March 2006. IMPAX subsequently filed responses addressing the FDA’s earlier concerns, which included clinical pharmacology and chemistry, manufacturing and control components. These concerns were not cited in the most recent non-approvable letter.

“We are very disappointed with the receipt of this letter, and we continue to believe that Vadova represents a significant improvement in the choices available to patients in the treatment of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease,” said Larry Hsu, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of IMPAX Laboratories. “We will continue to pursue discussions with the FDA concerning this decision and we are evaluating all options for the product.”



About IMPAX Laboratories, Inc.
IMPAX Laboratories, Inc. is a technology based specialty pharmaceutical company applying its formulation expertise and drug delivery technology to the development of controlled-release and specialty generics in addition to the development of branded products. IMPAX markets its generic products through its Global Pharmaceuticals division and markets its branded products through the IMPAX Pharmaceuticals division. Additionally, where strategically appropriate, IMPAX has developed marketing partnerships to fully leverage its technology platform. IMPAX Laboratories is headquartered in Hayward, California, and has a full range of capabilities in its Hayward and Philadelphia facilities. For more information, please visit the Company's Web site at: www.impaxlabs.com [1]. "


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