XALIEVE™

Calabar is developing XALIEVE™, a locally administered gel for the treatment of radiation induced xerostomia in head and neck cancer patients

Most of the production of saliva is secreted from the major salivary glands, i.e. the parotid and submandibular glands, as a response to chewing. Between meals this secretion is close to abolished. Instead the minor salivary glands are active and are producing a more lubricating mucus secretion. The feeling of xerostomia is associated with hypofunction of the minor glands.

Calabar has selected the acetyl cholinesterase inhibitor physostigmine as the active substance for pharmaceutical development. Acetyl cholinesterase inhibitors increase the flow of saliva produced by the minor glands by preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine. When the product is administered locally to the mucosa the secretion of the minor glands is evoked by a direct action, thus minimizing systemic side effects.

The compound has undergone a proof-of-concept study showing it to be effective on salivary function and Calabar is now optimizing the formulation with further improvements. Calabar is actively looking for a partner with excellence in clinical development, marketing and sales to continue the development.