Cancer Supportive Care > Xerostomia
Xerostomia (dry mouth) affects up to 80% of advanced cancer patients, representing an important unmet medical need and a substantial untapped commercial opportunity. In addition, a significant opportunity exists in head & neck cancer patients and patients suffering from Sjögren’s syndrome.
There are currently no drugs approved for the treatment of xerostomia in advanced cancer patients. Treatment options include non-pharmacological, over-the-counter (OTC) products such as saliva substitutes, as well as orally-administered muscarinic agonists used off-label. OTC remedies have limited efficacy, whereas muscarinic agonists, though efficacious, produce significant systemic side effects, such as increased urination, headaches/dizziness, stomach cramps/diarrhoea and vision complaints, which can lead to patients discontinuing treatment.
According to Acacia Pharma’s market research with oncologists and palliative care experts in the US and Europe, the ideal product profile for xerostomia is a pharmacologically active, topically applied salivary stimulant with minimal side effects. An agent which can be applied locally to the lining of the mouth is preferred both for its immediate soothing effect and to avoid another tablet in patients likely already to be taking multiple oral medicines.
What is Xerostomia?
Xerostomia is defined as a subjective dryness in the mouth. It is usually the result of a decrease in the volume and/or alteration in the composition of saliva produced, arising from salivary gland dysfunction. The commonest cause of xerostomia is medication, with more than 500 drugs known to cause it. Xerostomia leads to oral discomfort, taste impairment, difficulty chewing and swallowing, dental caries and increased oral infections.
Related Product Information
Acacia Pharma is developing APD515 for the treatment of xerostomia in advanced cancer patients. It is a novel oromucosal formulation of a well known marketed drug (muscarinic agonist), optimised to rapidly act on local salivary glands, with minimal systemic absorption.