A New Treatment for Pain Following Third

This past week, BioDelivery Sciences International Inc. announced the successful completion of phase II trials for its BEMA Buprenorphine dental surgery pain treatment.

The Raleigh-based company has been working to use its BEMA technology for the treatment of pain following third molar extraction dental surgery. BEMA, or BioErodible MucoAdhesive, is a thin, dissolvable film that is applied to the lining of the cheek to deliver pain medication.

In the phase II trial, BDSI compared results of the different doses of BEMA Buprenorphine against a placebo and oral oxycodone. Andrew Finn, executive vice president of product development, said the results were consistent with phase I results and the doses were applicable for the relief of chronic pain. The company will continue to work to determine the effectiveness of BEMA Buprenorhine for acute pain.

“We believe that BEMA Buprenorphine has the potential to become a major player in the treatment of pain by addressing a significant unmet market need by virtue of a lower propensity for abuse and addiction compared to other opioids such as oxycodone and morphine,” said Mark A. Sirgo, president and CEO. “We are hopeful that this profile, along with our Phase 2 data, will lead to significant partnering interest.”

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