AFT broadens R&D pipeline with new product candidate in Burning Mouth Syndrome

AFT Pharmaceuticals (ASX: AFP, NZX: AFT) today announces that it has entered into a partnership with one of its research and development partners, Belgium's Hyloris Pharmaceuticals to develop a novel locally acting product for the treatment of Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS).

Under the terms of the agreement, AFT and Hyloris will co-invest for the development of HY-090 for the purpose of registration, approval and commercialisation. Under the terms of the agreement, Hyloris shall be accountable for the execution and coordination of formulation and related activities and AFT shall assume the responsibility for the management of clinical trials, overseeing all aspects to ensure effective planning, execution, and monitoring throughout the trial lifecycle.

For product commercialisation strategies, Hyloris shall be responsible for Europe, jointly responsible with AFT for the United States and AFT responsible for all other global territories.

AFT Managing Director Dr Hartley Atkinson says: "This collaboration brings together the strengths of AFT and Hyloris, combining strong internal R&D capabilities and solid expertise in clinical trial management building on our current Maxigesic IV partnership. I look forward to the success and growth it will bring to our companies and importantly assists our international expansion goals."

"We had previously flagged to the market at our half-year reporting that we were targeting increasing our R&D pipeline with two projects under diligence. This was one of those projects but we confirm that we are still working to complete diligence on a further three projects. We see that further R&D projects are important to drive our long-term global expansion", said Dr Atkinson.

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is characterized by burning pain in a normal-appearing oral mucosa lasting at least four to six months. The condition is idiopathic, and the underlying pathophysiology is not well understood. Patients with burning mouth syndrome commonly experience changes in taste. The reported prevalence ranges from 0.7 to 5% or approximately 2,800,000 individuals in the US and occurs more frequently in women than men, with a female to male ratio of 7:1. Prevalence increases with age in both men and women, with the highest prevalence reported in postmenopausal women aged 60-69 years.

Released for and on behalf of AFT Pharmaceuticals limited by Malcolm Tubby, Chief Financial Officer.

For more information:

Investors
Richard Inder
The Project
Tel: +64 21 645 643

Media
Dr Hartley Atkinson
Managing Director
AFT Pharmaceuticals
Tel: +64 9488 0232