NEURELIS TO SHARE CLINICAL STUDY DESIGN INSIGHTS FOR INVESTIGATION OF VALTOCO® (DIAZEPAM NASAL SPRAY) IN AGES 2 TO 5 AT CHILD NEUROLOGY SOCIETY ANNUAL MEETING

November 12, 2024 |

6 min read

Presentation highlights study-enrollment challenges and strategies to overcome potential barriers

SAN DIEGO, Nov. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Neurelis, Inc., today announced a presentation on insights into study design from the enrollment process for the new Stellina study investigating VALTOCO® (diazepam nasal spray) for the treatment of seizure clusters in patients with epilepsy aged 2 to 5 years. This age group is not included in the current indication of treatment of seizure clusters in patients with epilepsy aged ≥6 years. The poster presentation will be given at the 53rd Child Neurology Society Annual Meeting in San Diego, November 11-14th.

“Data from clinical studies of repetitive seizures in early childhood are critical to help advance new treatments for a young population with currently limited alternatives,” said Adrian L. Rabinowicz, MD, Neurelis Chief Medical Officer. “We are pleased to join the child neurology community and exchange learnings at this year’s annual meeting as we focus on improving health outcomes for people with epilepsy.”

Highlights of the presentation include the identification of study-enrollment challenges and strategies to overcome potential barriers in young patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy. Identified findings may be helpful in designing future protocols.

The poster titled “Challenges Associated with Enrolling Pediatric Patients with Treatment-Resistant Epilepsy Aged 2–5 Years in a Clinical Trial and Lessons Learned for Future Trials” will be presented on Tuesday November 12th from 12:30 PM-1:45 PM and 5:30 PM-7:00 PM PT. The mission of the Child Neurology Society is to raise awareness about the importance of child neurologists and the health needs of children with chronic neurological conditions.

About Neurelis

Neurelis, Inc., is a neuroscience company focused on the development and commercialization of therapeutics for the treatment of epilepsy and neurologic disorders characterized by high unmet medical need. The FDA has approved Neurelis’ VALTOCO® (diazepam nasal spray) as an acute treatment of intermittent, stereotypic episodes of frequent seizure activity (i.e., seizure clusters, acute repetitive seizures) that are distinct from an individual’s usual seizure pattern in adult and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older. VALTOCO is a proprietary formulation of diazepam incorporating the science of INTRAVAIL®, a transmucosal absorption enhancement technology that enables the noninvasive delivery of a broad range of protein, peptide and small-molecule drugs. For more information on VALTOCO, please visit www.valtoco.com. For the latest scientific information on VALTOCO, please visit http://www.neurelismedicalaffairs.com/. Neurelis is also developing NRL-1004, an investigational, Phase 1 stage intranasal olanzapine for treatment of acute agitation episodes associated with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. In addition, Neurelis is also developing NRL-1049 (previously known as BA-1049), an investigational, Phase 1 new chemical entity Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, for the treatment of cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMS), a rare disorder of the central nervous system (CNS). For more information on Neurelis, please visit www.neurelis.com.

Important Safety Information about VALTOCO:

Indication

VALTOCO^® (diazepam nasal spray) is indicated for the acute treatment of intermittent, stereotypic episodes of frequent seizure activity (i.e., seizure clusters, acute repetitive seizures) that are distinct from a patient’s usual seizure pattern in patients with epilepsy 6 years of age and older.

WARNING: RISKS FROM CONCOMITANT USE WITH OPIOIDS; ABUSE, MISUSE, AND
ADDICTION; and DEPENDENCE AND WITHDRAWAL REACTIONS

Concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids may result in profound
sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant
prescribing of these drugs for patients for whom alternative treatment options are
inadequate. Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required. Follow
patients for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation.
The use of benzodiazepines, including VALTOCO, exposes users to risks of
abuse, misuse, and addiction, which can lead to overdose or death. Abuse and
misuse of benzodiazepines commonly involve concomitant use of other
medications, alcohol, and/or illicit substances, which is associated with an
increased frequency of serious adverse outcomes. Before prescribing VALTOCO
and throughout treatment, assess each patient’s risk for abuse, misuse, and
addiction.
The continued use of benzodiazepines may lead to clinically significant physical
dependence. The risks of dependence and withdrawal increase with longer
treatment duration and higher daily dose. Although VALTOCO is indicated only for
intermittent use, if used more frequently than recommended, abrupt
discontinuation or rapid dosage reduction of VALTOCO may precipitate acute
withdrawal reactions, which can be life-threatening. For patients using VALTOCO
more frequently than recommended, to reduce the risk of withdrawal reactions,
use a gradual taper to discontinue VALTOCO.

Contraindications: VALTOCO is contraindicated in patients with:

Hypersensitivity to diazepam
Acute narrow-angle glaucoma

Central Nervous System (CNS) Depression
Benzodiazepines, including VALTOCO, may produce CNS depression. Caution patients against engaging in hazardous activities requiring mental alertness, such as operating machinery, driving a motor vehicle, or riding a bicycle, until the effects of the drug, such as drowsiness, have subsided, and as their medical condition permits.

The potential for a synergistic CNS-depressant effect when VALTOCO is used with alcohol or other CNS depressants must be considered, and appropriate recommendations made to the patient and/or care partner.

Suicidal Behavior and Ideation
Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), including VALTOCO, increase the risk of suicidal ideation and behavior. Patients treated with any AED for any indication should be monitored for the emergence or worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior, and/or unusual changes in mood or behavior. Glaucoma
Benzodiazepines, including VALTOCO, can increase intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma. VALTOCO may only be used in patients with open-angle glaucoma only if they are receiving appropriate therapy. VALTOCO is contraindicated in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma. Neonatal Sedation and Withdrawal Syndrome
Use of VALTOCO late in pregnancy can result in sedation (respiratory depression, lethargy, hypotonia) and/or withdrawal symptoms (hyperreflexia, irritability, restlessness, tremors, inconsolable crying, and feeding difficulties) in the neonate. Monitor neonates exposed to VALTOCO during pregnancy or labor for signs of sedation and monitor neonates exposed to VALTOCO during pregnancy for signs of withdrawal; manage these neonates accordingly. Risk of Serious Adverse Reactions in Infants due to Benzyl Alcohol Preservative
VALTOCO is not approved for use in neonates or infants. Serious and fatal adverse reactions, including “gasping syndrome,” can occur in neonates and low-birth-weight infants treated with benzyl alcohol–preserved drugs, including VALTOCO. The “gasping syndrome” is characterized by central nervous system depression, metabolic acidosis, and gasping respirations. The minimum amount of benzyl alcohol at which serious adverse reactions may occur is not known. Adverse Reactions
The most common adverse reactions (at least 4%) were somnolence, headache, and nasal discomfort.

Diazepam, the active ingredient in VALTOCO, is a Schedule IV controlled substance.

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Neurelis, Inc. at 1-866-696-3873 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (www.fda.gov/medwatch).

Please read full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning.

Contacts:

Brittany Bradrick, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, +1 858 251 2100

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