Avadel Pharmaceuticals plc, a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to advancing treatments for sleep disorders, has entered into an exclusive global license agreement with XWPharma Ltd. to develop and commercialize valiloxybate. This drug is a GABAB receptor agonist designed for various indications, including narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia (IH).
Valiloxybate stands out as a once-at-bedtime, salt-free, and artificial sweetener-free extended-release formulation of oxybate therapy. The drug aims to offer patients the therapeutic benefits of oxybate with a simplified dosing regimen.
Greg Divis, CEO of Avadel Pharmaceuticals, emphasized that the addition of valiloxybate strengthens the company’s leadership in sleep medicine. He highlighted the success of Avadel’s existing therapy, LUMRYZ, and expressed excitement about expanding their pipeline with this innovative treatment.
James Huang, Executive Chairman of XWPharma, praised Avadel as the ideal partner to bring valiloxybate to market and extend access to this promising therapy for patients with sleep disorders.
Medical experts also voiced support for the development of valiloxybate. Dr. Anne Marie Morse, Director of Pediatric Neurology at Geisinger Medical Center, noted that the drug’s once-at-bedtime delivery system could enhance personalized care for patients with narcolepsy and IH. She added that oxybates are transformational for these conditions and that a no-sodium option could expand treatment options for patients with sodium sensitivities.
With this licensing agreement, Avadel aims to build on its expertise in sleep disorder treatments and deliver improved therapeutic solutions for patients living with hypersomnolence disorders.