Acrux (ASX: ACR)(PNK:ARUXF) today announced that Evamist(tm), the first product utilising its unique skin spray drug delivery technology, has been launched by US licensee KV Pharmaceutical Company (NYSE: KVa/KVb) into one of the largest therapeutic categories in women's healthcare.
Evamist(tm) is the first and only estradiol transdermal spray, indicated for the treatment of moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms due to menopause. It is a unique transdermal estrogen therapy delivering a low dose of estradiol in a once-daily spray.
Evamist(tm) targets an annual US$1.3 billion estrogen therapy market where physicians and patients are seeking an effective low-dose estrogen product. Acrux will receive royalties on sales of Evamist(tm), with peak annual sales potential estimated by KV to be US$125 million.
Evamist(tm) will be marketed by Ther-Rx Corporation, a subsidiary of KV Pharmaceutical. In its media release, KV stated that Evamist(tm) is an outstanding addition to Ther-Rx's existing women's healthcare portfolio of products, which have been promoted by the Ther-Rx sales force since 1999. It anticipates the ability to leverage its strong relationships with Obstetricians/Gynecologists, as well as select primary care physicians, to potentially drive Evamist(tm) to be one of Ther-Rx's largest products in terms of revenue.
"We're excited about the new opportunity Evamist(tm) brings to the Ther-Rx portfolio and to the women's healthcare market," stated Marc S. Hermelin, KV's Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. "We believe Evamist(tm) truly differentiates itself from the other products in this category and targets a compelling and important new therapeutic market for Ther-Rx - menopause - via an innovatively delivered drug that can also help promote patient compliance. We believe Evamist(tm) will contribute positively to the future growth of Ther-Rx Corporation beginning in fiscal 2009 and beyond."
Acrux CEO Richard Treagus commented "KV is a highly capable and committed marketing organisation and we are delighted to be partnering with them on our first product. The launch of Evamist(tm) in the US marks another important step in our journey towards building a strong and profitable company. The commercial validation of our technology platform in the US will further increase the confidence and value in the full range of products that Acrux is currently developing".
- Acrux is an Australian drug delivery company, developing and commercialising a range of patient-preferred, patented pharmaceutical products for global markets, using its innovative technology to administer drugs through the skin.
- Fast-drying, invisible sprays or liquids provide a delivery platform with low or no skin irritation, superior cosmetic acceptability and simple, accurate and flexible dosing. The technology platform is covered by broad and well-differentiated, issued patents.
- Acrux has one product, EvaMist(tm) (brand name Ellavie(tm) outside the USA) to treat menopause symptoms, marketed by its licensee in the USA and has the following products in clinical development:
-- Testosterone MD-Lotion(R) to treat male testosterone deficiency
-- Testosterone MDTS(R) to treat decreased libido in women
-- Nestorone(R) MDTS(R) contraceptive sprays for women
-- An undisclosed companion animal health product
-- Fentanyl MDTS(R) to treat chronic pain
-- Nicotine MDTS(R) for smoking cessation
- Acrux has licensed worldwide rights to its technology for selected contraceptives and for an undisclosed proprietary drug to ORGANON, USA rights for Estradiol MDTS(R) to KV Pharmaceutical and for Testosterone MDTS(R) to VIVUS, and AUS/NZ distribution rights for Estradiol MDTS(R) to Aspen Pharmacare and for Testosterone MDTS(R) and Fentanyl MDTS(R) to CSL Limited. Acrux has also licensed its technology to Eli Lilly and Company for veterinary healthcare products.
About Acrux Limited
Acrux (ASX: ACR) is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to developing and commercialising topical pharmaceuticals. Incorporated in 1998 and using in house facilities and capabilities, Acrux has successfully developed and commercialised through licensees a number of topically applied pharmaceutical products in the US and Europe. Acrux is developing of a range of generic products for the US market by leveraging its on-site laboratories, GMP manufacturing suite, clinical and commercial experience to bring affordable products to market. Acrux encourages collaboration and is well positioned to discuss partnering and product development.
About KV Pharmaceutical
KV Pharmaceutical Company is a fully integrated specialty pharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures, markets and acquires technologydistinguished branded and generic/non-branded prescription pharmaceutical products. The Company markets its technology-distinguished products through ETHEX Corporation, a national leader in pharmaceuticals that compete with branded products, and Ther-Rx Corporation, its branded prescription pharmaceutical subsidiary.
Contact
Richard TreagusAcrux CEO and Managing Director
TEL: + 61 417 520 509
richard.treagus@acrux.com.au
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