ANI Pharmaceuticals Announces Initiation of Phase 4 Clinical Trial of Purified Cortrophin® Gel for the Treatment of Acute Gout Flares

Core Viewpoint - ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has initiated a Phase 4 clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of two dose levels of Purified Cortrophin Gel for treating acute gout flares, marking a significant step in the company's commitment to building scientific evidence for this therapy [1][3]. Company Overview - ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a diversified biopharmaceutical company focused on developing, manufacturing, and commercializing innovative therapeutics, particularly in rare diseases, ophthalmology, rheumatology, nephrology, neurology, and pulmonology [11]. Clinical Trial Details - The Phase 4 trial will compare two dose levels (40 USP units and 80 USP units) of Cortrophin Gel in a randomized, double-blind study involving up to 160 patients, aiming to enroll 70 evaluable patients per dose group [4][5]. - The primary endpoint is the change in gout pain intensity from baseline at day 3 post-administration, measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) [5]. Expert Involvement - Dr. Hyon Choi, a leading physician investigator with extensive experience in gout research, will conduct the trial, emphasizing the need for effective treatments for patients who do not respond adequately to conventional therapies [2][3]. Product Background - Cortrophin Gel is the only ACTH therapy approved by the FDA for acute gout flares and is indicated for short-term administration as an adjunctive therapy during acute episodes [1][7]. - The product has seen steady growth since the launch of a 1-mL vial in October 2023, aimed at increasing access for in-office treatment [3].