Joiner launches Madeira to focus on pediatric dosages

LEAWOOD, Kan. Peter Joiner, a veteran of the pharmaceutical industry for over 30 years, this week announced the launch of a new company called Madeira Therapeutics, of which he will be the chief executive officer.

The company will focus on repositioning approved adult compounds for use in the pediatric market. “More than 70 percent of the drugs prescribed for children are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration,” Joiner said. “The current approach is to prescribe adult drugs by weight; however, children metabolize some drugs differently than adults so this not in the best interest of the patient.”

The company will use a rule that the FDA has developed that will allow them to re-formulate off patent adult drugs because the drugs have already been shown to be safe and effective. By using this method, the company does not need to conduct large clinical trials in order to get its drugs approved.

In addition to a cholesterol drug already in the pipeline, Madeira has plans to develop pediatric formulations for acute pain management and diabetes.