Melt Pharmaceuticals has reported promising topline results from the pivotal Phase 3 trial of MELT-300, a novel, non-intravenous, non-opioid sedation tablet developed for use during cataract surgeries. The study, conducted under an FDA-approved Special Protocol Assessment (SPA) agreement, demonstrated that MELT-300 meets safety and efficacy criteria required for regulatory submission.
MELT-300 is an innovative sublingual tablet combining:
• Midazolam (3 mg)
• Ketamine (50 mg)
The tablet dissolves in just three seconds, thanks to Catalent’s proprietary Zydis delivery technology, offering an effective alternative to IV-based sedation protocols.
The trial enrolled over 530 patients across 13 U.S. clinical sites and utilized a randomized, double-blind, three-arm design. Key comparisons included:
• MELT-300 vs. sublingual midazolam
• MELT-300 vs. placebo
• Patients were randomized in a 4:1:1 ratio.
• MELT-300 achieved superior sedation compared to midazolam alone.
• No serious safety concerns were reported.
Dr. Larry Dillaha, CEO of Melt Pharmaceuticals, commented:
“These overwhelmingly positive results support our belief that MELT-300, if approved by the FDA, would be a safe and effective non-IV, non-opioid alternative to current IV-based cataract surgery sedation protocols.”
With over 5 million cataract surgeries projected annually in the U.S. in the coming years, MELT-300 offers a streamlined alternative to traditional IV sedation:
• Eliminates the need for IV setups.
• Avoids the use of opioids.
Dr. John Berdahl, co-inventor of MELT-300, added:
“A proprietary compounded combination of midazolam and ketamine has been used successfully in hundreds of thousands of cataract surgeries. FDA approval of MELT-300 would greatly enhance confidence in this groundbreaking sedation method.”
The success of the Phase 3 trial not only supports regulatory submission but also strengthens Melt’s intellectual property portfolio. Potential future applications for MELT-300 include:
• Dermatology
• Dentistry
• Gastroenterology
• Emergency care
Melt Pharmaceuticals plans to submit MELT-300 for FDA approval, aiming to make this innovative sedation solution available to healthcare providers and their patients in the near future.
This milestone represents a significant step toward revolutionizing sedation practices across multiple medical specialties.