Wasn't mnkd working on a nonaddictive opioid alternative a few years ago? This seems like something that merits govt funding if it is real. I don't remember if this was real or if one of the pumpers made this up.
No, it's real. MannKind partnered with Torrey Pines around 5 years ago but nothing seemed to come of it. I can't provide a link to the article because the page no longer exists but here's the article.
PORT ST. LUCIE — Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies could begin testing a new pain medication on humans as early as 2013, Torrey Pines founder Dr. Richard Houghten said Tuesday.
The drug would be a breakthrough in pain medication at a time when state and local legislators are trying to curb addiction to prescription drugs. The drug is designed to provide quick pain relief while eliminating side effects such as addiction, respiratory depression and adverse psychological consequences.
"In Port St. Lucie because of what the state, the city and the county and whatnot have done, we've been able to develop these methods so that we're now to the point where we have advanced compound that will be going into humans, going into man in 2013," Houghten told guests gathered at the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie monthly luncheon.
Torrey Pines opened a $40 million, 100,000-square-foot facility in January 2009 and has hired about 107 of the 189 jobs promised by 2016. The nonprofit has plans to hire another 13 before June, Houghten said.
Torrey Pines has more room to operate and do research now that Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute of Florida has moved into its own building down the street in January. VGTI had occupied the third floor of Torrey Pines' building. While both nonprofits showed gratitude and collaborated with one another to make the situation work, both are happy to have their own space.
After the lunch, Houghten expanded on the new drug's possibilities.
"It's actually pretty marvelous," Houghten said. "You can't (overdose) on this drug."
The drug is being developed in partnership with Mannkind Corp., which has created a small device that allows people to inhale medicine. By inhaling, the medicine can relieve pain quicker than through pill form, Houghten said.
"Our pain compound, if it all works out, ... if you can take that pain compound and just inhale within just 30 seconds to a minute, your pain will be alleviated," Houghten said. "So you can see that that can be a real important step."
The drug has been tested on two separate animal groups and Houghten said the drug will be tested on a third before going before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which must give approval for human trials.
Houghten said the unique nature of the drug could make it easier to get approval.
"You never really quite know," he said. "Right now, everything's looking really good. ... We can't get a high enough dose that causes a problem."
Patients also do not build up a tolerance to the medicine, whereas other pain relievers require patients to take more and more to get the same effect.
Houghten said he is thrilled with the drug's progress.
"In reality is if it's 2014 (before human testing), I'm still going to be happy," Houghten said. "I don't think it's going to be a problem with the FDA. It's very simple what we want to do, so we can show them clearly here's the effective dose, here's the toxic dose. That's 90 percent of it right there. It's effective and it's not toxic."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here's a follow up.
MannKind Corporation’s Pain Management Plans: Looking Back
www.valuewalk.com/2015/06/mannkind-pain-management/And another...
What is going on with deals involving Torrey Pine, Technovax, Colby, Rose Pharma & Tolero?
What is happening with the “cricket” inhaler?
The so‐called “cricket” is a disposable, single use version of the inhalation device used for other
products like Afrezza. There are many potential applications for this device, including
MannKind’s recently announced development program in epinephrine for anaphylaxis. Torrey
Pines was an opportunity we could not pursue at this time due to program risk, high costs and
prolonged timelines. As far as specific deals involving other companies, MannKind will be
providing updates as significant events unfold.
www.mannkindcorp.com/Collateral/Documents/English-US/MNKD%202%203%2016%20Investor%20Call%20FAQ%20v2%209%2016%20FINAL.pdf
/production/original_573352236.gif)
