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M Pharmaceutical completes design for weight loss drug

Last updated: 09:09 16 Aug 2016 EDT, First published: 04:09 16 Aug 2016 EDT

an artist's impression of how the new capsule will look
Orlistat is the best-selling weight loss drug of all time

Vancouver-based drug firm M Pharmaceutical Inc (CNSX:MQ) has successfully completed the design and engineering of the capsule for its C-103 weight loss drug.

C-103 is a novel formulation of orlistat, an FDA-approved weight management drug sold by Roche as Xenical and by GlaxoSmithKline as alli.

The dual compartment gelatin capsule designed for the project allows for the release of three separate ingredients – orlistat, simethicone and activated charcoal – in a unique sequence.

Side effects from orlistat – including bowel irritation – are well-documented and M hopes this new delivery system will help to reduce these adverse effects.

“Recognizing that the development of C-103 hinged on the engineering of a sophisticated delivery system, this is a very significant achievement toward the successful commercialization of...the project,” said President Gary Thompson.

“This new design means we can engage immediately with prospective capsule manufacturing partners, allowing us to advance to clinical trials and commercialization.”  

C-103 is patented until 2030 in the United States and all three of the drugs used are FDA-approved for over-the-counter usage.

Orlistat is the best-selling weight loss medication of all time, with peak sales of over US$900mln in 2007 although this has fallen in recent years, in large part due to its side effects.

The stock price was unchanged at C$0.13.

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