Jaguar Health to Launch Cancer Care Presence at ASCO with Gelclair Exhibit

Oral mucositis, colloquially known as "chemo mouth," has been identified by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) as the most critical adverse event in oncology. Affecting up to 40% of chemotherapy patients, and approximately 90% of those undergoing combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy for head and neck cancers, oral mucositis presents significant challenges in patient management. The condition often leads to severe pain, dietary challenges, and increased risk of systemic infections, necessitating costly interventions such as total parenteral nutrition and opioid analgesics.

Jaguar Health, Inc., through its subsidiary Napo Pharmaceuticals, is focusing on cancer supportive care. The company announced its participation at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, showcasing Gelclair®, an FDA-approved oral mucositis product. Jaguar plans to commercially launch Gelclair in the U.S. market in the third quarter of 2024. Gelclair is a protective gel that adheres to the mucosal surface, providing pain relief and management without the numbing effects or stinging commonly associated with other treatments.

Dr. Maged Ghaly, a radiation oncologist at Northwell Health Cancer Institute, emphasizes the importance of Gelclair in delaying the onset and reducing the severity of oral mucositis. This allows patients to maintain their nutritional intake without resorting to feeding tubes and supports the continuity of their radiation therapy regimen without interruptions or dose reductions. Dr. Ghaly also notes the reduction in the necessity for heavy prescription medications for pain management associated with oral mucositis.

The economic burden of oral mucositis is considerable, with the cost for head and neck cancer patients exceeding $17,000. Gelclair promises a clinically proven, easy-to-use solution that provides rapid and sustained pain relief, improving patients' ability to eat, drink, swallow, speak, and sleep. It also reduces the need for parenteral feeding or opioid analgesics.

Jaguar Health is also advancing its focus on cancer supportive care through its phase 3 OnTarget trial. This pivotal study investigates the efficacy of crofelemer, a plant-based prescription drug, in preventing chemotherapy-induced overactive bowel (CIOB) in patients undergoing targeted cancer therapy. Diarrhea, a prevalent side effect of targeted therapies affecting up to 95% of patients on tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), can severely impact patients' quality of life and lead to treatment discontinuations. The OnTarget trial aims to determine whether crofelemer can significantly reduce diarrhea and other CIOB symptoms, thereby allowing patients to continue their cancer therapy uninterrupted.

Jaguar Health’s commitment to cancer supportive care is further underscored by its dedication to conducting long-term clinical studies and expanding access to its therapies. The company’s broader portfolio includes efforts to develop new prescription medicines derived from plants for various gastrointestinal and mental health conditions through its joint ventures and subsidiaries.

With the expected diagnosis of over 2 million new cancer cases in the U.S. in 2024, and 18 million Americans currently living with a cancer diagnosis, Jaguar Health's initiatives hold significant promise for improving patient outcomes and quality of life. The upcoming ASCO Annual Meeting will serve as an important platform for raising awareness about Gelclair and the company's expanding focus on supportive cancer care.