SAN DIEGO, Aug. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Verus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a pediatric-oriented specialty pharmaceutical company, today announced it has entered into an agreement with UCB (Euronext Brussels: UCB), a leading global biopharmaceutical company, for the commercialization of Twinject® in Europe. Twinject, a novel epinephrine auto-injector indicated for the emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), was launched in the U.S. and Canada in 2005; it is the first and only product approved by the FDA and Health Canada that contains two doses of epinephrine in a single, compact device for self-administration. The agreement includes an upfront payment to Verus, along with future launch and sales milestone payments, and royalties based on sales of Twinject (0.3 mg and 0.15 mg versions) and Twinject line extensions under development by Verus. In addition, UCB has an option to commercialize the entire Twinject product line in all other territories beyond Europe (excluding the U.S. and Canada) and an option to commercialize certain next generation products under development by Verus for the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis.
“There are significant unmet medical needs for those individuals at risk for anaphylaxis and, unfortunately, a dual-dose treatment option is not available in Europe today,” said Robert W. Keith, President and Chief Operating Officer of Verus. “As a result, we are very pleased to be partnering with UCB, a company with a premier allergy franchise and significant commercial capabilities, to bring Twinject to European patients at risk for this life-threatening condition.”
“The agreement with Verus allows us the opportunity to build a European leadership position in an attractive, high growth market showing strong synergies with UCB’s solid allergy business,” stated Bill Robinson, Executive Vice President Global Operations of UCB. “UCB will now move toward initiating the European regulatory process for this novel product for the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis.”
About Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening systemic reaction triggered by exposure to one or more various antigens, including foods, insect stings, drugs, and latex products. Up to 43 million people in the U.S. alone are at risk for anaphylactic episodes, and underlying incidence rates are expected to continue increasing in future years. Up to eight percent of children have food allergies, with sensitivities to peanuts and tree nuts among children having doubled in the past five years. The timing, location, pattern (including onset, severity and length) and specific treatment requirements for each future episode cannot be predicted in advance. As such, all at-risk patients need to be fully prepared at all times for these unpredictable episodes.
About Twinject
Twinject Auto-Injector (epinephrine injection, USP 1:1000) is the only available product approved by the FDA that contains two doses of epinephrine in a single, compact device. This is an important feature, as published studies demonstrate that more than one dose of epinephrine may be required for approximately one in three patients to properly address the allergic reaction, with the second dose often needed within 5-10 minutes after the first. Furthermore, a recent study demonstrated that only 16% of patients carry two single-dose auto-injectors at all times. More information about anaphylaxis and Twinject is available on Verus’ Twinject website at http://www.twinject.com .
About Verus
Verus Pharmaceuticals is dedicated to improving the lives of children and those who care for them. Verus is building a portfolio of products for the unmet medical needs of children through acquisitions and alliances, with an initial focus on the treatment of asthma, allergies, and related diseases and conditions. Verus is differentiated by its pediatric orientation and its strong financial position and experienced management team, which allows the company to capitalize on an extensive network to build its product portfolio and pursue complementary transactions. The company’s rigorous, disciplined approach to strategic decision-making and core competencies in development and commercialization is expected to provide significant value to its partners. More information about Verus is available on the company’s corporate website at http://www.veruspharm.com .
Verus® and Twinject® are trademarks of Verus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. About UCB
UCB (http://www.ucb-group.com) is a leading global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the research, development and commercialization of innovative pharmaceutical and biotechnology products in the fields of central nervous system disorders, allergy/respiratory diseases, immune and inflammatory disorders and oncology -- UCB focuses on securing a leading position in severe disease categories. Employing over 8,300 people in 40 countries, UCB achieved revenue of 2.3 billion euro in 2005. UCB is listed on the Euronext Brussels Exchange.
Forward-Looking Statements
Verus Pharmaceuticals cautions you that statements included in this press release that are not a description of historical facts may be forward-looking statements. The inclusion of forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by Verus that any of its plans will be achieved. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in this press release due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in Verus’ business including, without limitation, statements about: its ability to identify appropriate acquisition, licensing, or co-development and/or promotion candidates in the future or be able to take advantage of the opportunities it identifies; difficulties or delays in developing, obtaining regulatory approval, manufacturing and commercializing its products; unexpected performance or side effects of its products that could delay or prevent development or commercialization, or that could result in recalls or product liability claims; the scope and validity of patent protection for its products; competition from other pharmaceutical companies; and its ability to obtain additional financing to support its operations. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement and Verus undertakes no obligation to revise or update this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.
Media Contacts: Amy Caterina for Verus/Twinject acaterina@veruspharm.com 858-436-1623
Lynn Rubenson for CarryOn Communications lrubensol@sbcglobal.net 858-259-8660
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Source: Verus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
