Droxidopa is an orally active synthetic precursor of norepinephrine
currently approved and marketed in Japan for the treatment of orthostatic
hypotension. By replenishing depleted norepinephrine via endogenous
enzymatic pathway, Droxidopa allows for re-uptake of norepinephrine
into peripheral nervous system neurons – stimulating receptors
for vasoconstrinction and providing physiological improvement in symptomatic
neurogenic orthostatic hypotension patients.
With over 15 years of proven safety and efficacy in its target indications,
Droxidopa provides a unique opportunity to accelerate Chelsea's drug
development activities, expand its product pipeline and help finance
the establishment of a sales and marketing infrastructure prior to
commercialization of the company’s other compounds including
CH-1504.
Originally approved in 1989 for the treatment of frozen gait or dizziness
associated with Parkinson's Disease and for the treatment of orthostatic
hypotension, syncope or dizziness associated with Shy-Drager syndrome
and Familial Amyloidotic Polyneuropathy, DSP expanded marketing approval
in 2000 to include treatment of vertigo, dizziness and weakness associated
with orthostatic hypotension in hemodialysis patients.
