Voyageur Pharmaceuticals Ltd. has announced the commencement of human testing for its new suite of barium contrast products, marking a significant step towards market launch. The products under evaluation include SmoothLD®, SmoothHD®, VisionHD®, VisionLD®, and a new gas agent, VGas. Voyageur has already completed testing of its product SmoothX®.
The human testing phase will analyze radiology exam results with the help of Voyageur's radiology consultants and scientific advisory board.
Testing Phases and Key Performance Indicators
The testing process is structured in two phases. The initial phase, scheduled for the first quarter of 2025, will assess the products' performance based on key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to barium contrast in radiology imaging. These KPIs encompass clinical effectiveness, operational efficiency, and patient-centered outcomes.
Clinical effectiveness will be evaluated based on imaging quality, diagnostic yield, contrast administration success rate, detection sensitivity, adverse reaction rate, patient safety, adverse event rate, and preparation errors. Operational efficiency will be gauged by procedure completion rate, time to completion, repeat study rate, and supply utilization. Patient-centered outcomes will focus on patient satisfaction and compliance rate.
Following data review and potential adjustments for performance enhancement, the products will be prepared for market release. The second phase, commencing in Q2 2025, will focus on FDA licensing under the 505(b)(2) drug guidelines. This phase will emphasize clinical safety, efficacy, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data, operational efficiency, market and stakeholder readiness, and regulatory compliance.
Product Details
Voyageur’s advanced formulations are designed to improve radiographic examinations of the gastrointestinal tract. Key products include:
- SmoothHD® (105% w/v): A high-density barium suspension for upper GI esophagogram and double contrast studies.
- SmoothLD® (60% w/v): A low-density barium suspension for single contrast radiographic examinations.
- VisionHD® (98% w/w): A high-density barium powder suspension for double-contrast radiographic examination.
- VisionLD® (96% w/w): A high-density barium powder suspension for single contrast radiographic examinations.
- SmoothX (2%w/v): A contrast medium for use in Computed Tomography (CT) of the gastrointestinal tract.
- V-Gas Effervescent Granules (4g): An antacid and anti-flatulent solution for digestive discomfort and double contrast studies.
Company Vision
Voyageur aims to become a vertically integrated company in the radiology contrast media drug market, controlling all primary input costs from raw materials to final production. The company owns a 100% interest in the Frances Creek barium sulphate project, which boasts a rare and exceptional grade mineral suitable for the pharmaceutical marketplace. Voyageur believes this resource will replace current synthetic products with higher quality imaging products.
Brent Willis, CEO of Voyageur, stated, "With successful results, we can begin to roll out our full suite of products to the Canadian market to relieve the supply chain constraints and opening the markets to diversification."
