Acrux (ACR) announced that the Australian patent office has granted a new patent that will protect Acrux’s testosterone therapy Axiron® until 2 June 2026. Patent number 2006254742 describes a method of increasing the androgen blood level of a person by applying to the underarm a non-occlusive transdermal drug delivery composition that contains an androgen, an alcohol solvent and certain skin penetration enhancers. Axiron is the first approved testosterone replacement therapy in the United States applied to the underarm. Acrux is progressing similar patent applications with patent offices in pharmaceutical markets around the world. The examination in the United States is at an advanced stage. Axiron is presently covered by Acrux’s granted delivery technology patents until February 2017.
“We are very pleased with the grant of this patent that provides a further 9 years to Axiron’s patent protection in Australia”, said Acrux CEO Richard Treagus. “We are confident in our patents and we look forward to updating the market as this patent is granted in other territories”, he added. In April 2011 Acrux’s licensee Eli Lilly and Company launched Axiron into the United States testosterone therapy market, worth $1.2 billion in 2010. After 6 months, Axiron had secured 7.5% of Total Prescriptions (Trx). Lilly has an exclusive worldwide licence to commercialise Axiron. Acrux earns royalties on worldwide sales of Axiron and may also receive up to US$195 million in sales milestone payments.
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 two products marketed by licensees in the USA, two products approved in Europe, one product in registration in the USA and further products at earlier stages of development.
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