Data for these twoendpoints were based on the Acute Panic Inventory, a commonly used 22-itemself-report questionnaire designed to measure panic-like response tobiological challenges or other stressful situations.
After receiving training and baseline assessments, all patients in thedouble-blind phase of the study received a Staccato device (randomized toeither 1 mg AZ-002 or placebo) and an intravenous administration of doxapram,a respiratory stimulant used to induce a simulated panic attack.
About Symphony Allegro
In December 2006, Alexza entered into a collaboration with SymphonyCapital LLC, a biotech-focused private equity firm. Under the terms of theagreement, Alexza and Symphony Capital established Symphony Allegro, Inc.,which is providing funding to Alexza to accelerate clinical and other relateddevelopment activities of Staccato alprazolam (AZ-002) and Staccato loxapine(AZ-004 and AZ-104). Alexza has granted a license to certain intellectualproperty rights for the selected product candidates. Through a purchaseoption, Alexza retains the exclusive right, but not the obligation, to acquire100% of the equity of Symphony Allegro at specified prices during the term ofthe agreement. If Alexza chooses not to exercise the purchase option,Symphony Allegro retains the rights to the product candidates. The purchaseoption expires December 31, 2010.
About Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Alexza Pharmaceuticals is an emerging specialty pharmaceutical companyfocused on the development and commercialization of novel, proprietaryproducts for the treatment of acute and intermittent conditions. TheCompany's technology, the Staccato system, vaporizes unformulated drug to forma condensation aerosol that allows rapid systemic drug delivery through deeplung inhalation. The drug is quickly absorbed through the lungs into thebloodstream, providing speed of therapeutic onset that is comparable tointravenous administration, but with greater ease, patient comfort andconvenience.
Alexza has six product candidates in clinical development. Alexza's leadprogram, AZ-004 (Staccato loxapine) for the treatment of acute agitation inschizophrenic or bipolar disorder patients, is in Phase 3 testing. AZ-001(Staccato prochlorperazine) for the acute treatment of migraine headaches hascompleted Phase 2 testing. AZ-104 (Staccato loxapine) for the acute treatmentof migraine headaches and AZ-002 (Staccato alprazolam) for the acute treatmentof panic attacks associated with panic disorder are in Phase 2 testing.Product candidates in Phase 1 testing include AZ-003 (Staccato fentanyl) forthe treatment of breakthrough pain, which is partnered with EndoPharmaceuticals in North America, and AZ-007 (Staccato zaleplon) for thetreatment of insomnia.
