Verus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a pediatric-oriented company dedicated to identifying,
developing and delivering solutions to address the unmet medical needs of children
and those who care for them, today announced it has acquired exclusive, worldwide
rights to Twinject™ from Hollister-Stier Laboratories LLC. Twinject, a novel
epinephrine auto-injector indicated for the emergency treatment of severe allergic
reactions (anaphylaxis), was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) in 2003; two dosages are now approved for self-administration (0.3 mg and
0.15 mg). In addition to Twinject, Verus has acquired rights to other intellectual
property and assets, including complementary and next generation device designs
and on-going development programs.
“There are significant unmet medical needs for those individuals at risk
for anaphylaxis and, unfortunately, no advancements in self-administered treatment
options have been commercialized in the U.S. since the early 1980s,” said
Robert W. Keith, President and Chief Operating Officer of Verus. “Twinject
is the first and only product approved by the FDA that contains two doses of epinephrine
in a single device. This is an important feature of Twinject, as published studies
have demonstrated that more than one dose of epinephrine may be required in many
situations to properly address the allergic reaction, with the second dose often
needed within 5-10 minutes after the first dose. As such, we are eager to bring
this novel product line to market and are committed to working closely with patients,
caregivers, and advocacy groups to develop additional products that address other
unmet medical needs for those at risk.”
“The acquisition of Twinject allows Verus the opportunity to establish a
leadership position in an attractive, high growth market,” said Todd C.
Davis of Paul Royalty Fund. “We look forward to working with the Verus management
team to launch Twinject and to build a comprehensive anaphylaxis franchise on
a global basis.”
Edgemont Capital Partners served as exclusive adviser to Hollister -Stier Laboratories, LLC.
About Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening systemic allergic 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 allergies 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 anaphylactic episode cannot
be predicted in advance.
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 website at www.veruspharm.com.
CONTACT:
At Verus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Robert W. Keith, President and Chief Operating Officer
Phone: 858-436-1615 Email: rkeith@veruspharm.com
At Edgemont Capital Partners
David K. Blume, Managing Director
Phone: 212-867-8935 Fax: 212-214-0911
Jeff B. Swearingen, Principal
Phone: 212-867-8935 Fax: 212-937-3816
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