KV increases spray technology collaboration with Acrux

KV Pharmaceutical Co is expanding its commercial collaboration with Australian drug delivery company Acrux.

KV will incorporate Acrux's spray technology for delivering drugs through the skin in up to six additional new branded products to be designated by KV for future development.

The agreement also calls for KV to license to Acrux the regulatory data and FDA filings pertaining to KV's recently launched Evamist, to Acrux for filing a similar product to launch in key international markets.

Evamist is the first and only estradiol transdermal spray for moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause.

Under the expanded agreement, KV has licensed Acrux's transdermal spray technology for new applications including up to six additional branded products which, upon completion of development and necessary regulatory approvals, would be launched by KV's Ther-Rx branded products subsidiary for sale in the US or, for certain products, on a worldwide basis.

Three of these products are in the pre-clinical development stage.

Acrux ceo Richard Treagus said, "The collaboration with KV not only allows us to proceed immediately with the commercialisation of our estradiol product in the major markets outside the US, but just as importantly it aligns us strongly with a very capable and committed marketing partner. I am delighted that, following the launch of Evamist, KV has seen the value and potential in our unique spray technology."

Evamist has already become the second largest transdermal hormone therapy as measured by NBRx measurements (New to Brand Prescriptions).

KV will select the products to be developed and fund all clinical development costs for each KV product utilising Acrux's transdermal spray technology, and Acrux will receive royalties on KV's sales plus milestone payments.