Antares Pharma, Inc. (Amex:AIS) announced that a second patent extension covering its proprietary Advanced Transdermal Delivery (ATD™) Gel System has been issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The patent was issued on February 26, 2008 and is in effect until August 2021. Antares is the sole owner of the newly issued patent.
“The issuance of this patent is an important achievement in the strengthening of Antares Pharma’s Intellectual Property portfolio,” said Dario N. R. Carrara, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of the Pharmaceutical Group. “Initially developed for the transdermal delivery of hormones, ATD Technology exhibited the potential for the administration of many other active agents. A first patent extension had been granted in May 2007. This second extension demonstrates the potential flexibility of our ATD system technology to accommodate difficult to deliver drugs for the treatment of conditions such as pain, migraines, nauseas and neuro-degenerative disorders.”
The ATD Gel System is responsible for the enhanced bioavailability of ANTUROL® (oxybutynin), Elestrin™ (estradiol), LibiGel® (testosterone), the Nestorone® and estradiol ATD contraceptive (currently being developed with the Population Council) and JZP-7 the ropinirole formulation (partnered with Jazz Pharmaceuticals).
ANTUROL for the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB) is presently in pivotal trials. Elestrin is our FDA approved treatment for symptoms associated with menopause and LibiGel recently entered into Phase III clinical development for the treatment of female sexual dysfunction (FSD). The contraceptive Nestorone completed Phase I at the end of 2007 and Phase II is slated to begin mid-year 2008. And a Phase III trial is currently planned for 4Q 2008 for JZP-7.
Jack E. Stover, President & Chief Executive Officer of Antares Pharma stated, “We are pleased with the issuance of this important patent to help protect additional drug products based on our ATD gel system. We believe this patent will strengthen our own commercial value proposition as well as further support the commercialization of licensed ATD Gel products.”
About Antares Pharma
Antares Pharma is a specialized pharma product development company committed to improving pharmaceuticals through its patented drug delivery systems. Antares has three validated drug delivery platforms: the ATDTM Advanced Transdermal Delivery system, subcutaneous injection technology platforms including both VibexTM disposable mini-needle injection device and ValeoTM/Vision® reusable needle-free injection devices; and Easy TecTM oral fast-melt technology. Two of the platforms have generated FDA approved products. Antares Pharma leverages its multiple drug delivery platforms to add value to existing drugs and to create new pharmaceutical products and injectable devices. The Company’s products are engineered to improve safety and efficacy profiles by minimizing dosing and reducing side effects while enabling improved patient compliance. Antares Pharma has corporate headquarters in Ewing, New Jersey, with subsidiaries performing research, development, manufacturing and product commercialization activities in Minneapolis, Minnesota and Basel, Switzerland.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the "Safe Harbor" provisions of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that involve significant risks and uncertainties, including those discussed in this release and others that can be found in the “Risk Factors” section of Antares’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 and in Antares’ periodic reports on Form 10-Q and other filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Antares is providing this information as of the date of this release and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this document as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
The Company cautions investors not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual events and results may differ materially from those projected. Forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the timing of product sales, market estimates and market potential provide Antares' current expectation or forecasts of future events. Antares' results could differ materially from those reflected in these forward-looking statements due to decisions of regulatory authorities, Antares' ability to execute on its development plans and general financial, economic, regulatory and political conditions affecting the pharmaceutical industry generally.
Contacts:
Stephanie M. Baldwin
Senior Manager,
Investor Relations
609-359-3032
sbaldwin@antarespharma.com
