FDA assigns GDUFA goal date of April 29, 2024
Milestone builds upon PharmaTher’s commitment toward unlocking the potential of ketamine for unmet medical needs
PharmaTher Holdings Ltd. (the “Company” or “PharmaTher”) (OTCQB: PHRRF) (CSE: PHRM), a commercial-focused specialty pharmaceutical company, today announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) has accepted the Abbreviated New Drug Application (“ANDA”) for KETARX™ (racemic ketamine) to the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”). The FDA assigned a Generic Drug User Fee Amendments of 2022 (“GDUFA”) goal date for this priority original ANDA of April 29, 2024. The Company anticipates the commercial launch of KETARX™ in the U.S. after that, followed by the pursuit of international approvals to support the growing global demand for ketamine.
“The acceptance of the ANDA for ketamine is a significant milestone for PharmaTher that brings us one step closer to becoming a global leader in ketamine for unmet medical needs. Ketamine has been on the FDA’s drug shortage list for over 5 years and its potential for mental health, neurological, and pain disorders continues to gain momentum and validation through published clinical research and real-world use cases.”
-Fabio Chianelli, CEO of PharmaTher
Ketamine is an essential medicine used for anaesthesia and analgesia (pain relief) listed on the WHO Essential Medicines List. Ketamine has been on the FDA’s drug shortage list since February 2018. In Canada, ketamine has been classified as a Tier 3 drug shortage since February 2023, and Health Canada has approved ketamine for use as a sedative and painkiller in hospital settings.
Outside of the FDA and Health Canada approved indications, ketamine is also being administered in hospitals and clinics to treat various mental health, neurological and pain disorders. A recently published new peer-reviewed study on the real-world effectiveness of ketamine intravenous therapy demonstrated significant patient improvement for depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation.
PharmaTher’s priority is to commercialize KETARX™ in the U.S. through its recently announced partnership with Vitruvias Therapeutics, Inc., a leading U.S. based specialty generic pharmaceutical company. The Company expects to market various dosage forms of KETARX™, with the option to increase concentration and ready-to-administer applications for the U.S. and international markets.
About PharmaTher Holdings Ltd.
PharmaTher Holdings Ltd. (OTCQB: PHRRF) (CSE: PHRM) develops and commercializes specialty pharmaceuticals exhibiting growing adoption and permitting novel delivery methods to enhance patient outcomes. The Company’s lead product is KETARX™ (racemic ketamine) to fill the global unmet medical needs for anesthesia, sedation, pain, mental health, and neurological indications. Learn more at PharmaTher.com.