PARSIPPANY, N.J., Sept. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Validus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced today that it has acquired the unique Bipolar Disorder treatment, Equetro® (carbamazepine) extended release capsules, from Shire plc. EQUETRO® is a treatment for the acute manic and mixed episodes associated with Bipolar-1 Disorder -- a condition where patients experience extended periods of exaggerated highs in addition to the extended lows commonly associated with Bipolar Disorder. Equetro’s patented advanced drug delivery technology also provides patients with the convenience of twice-daily dosing.
“This is a watershed moment in the commercialization of Validus Pharmaceuticals” stated James Hunter, Validus President & CEO. “Equetro® provides mental health professionals with an important treatment option in the management of Bipolar Disorder. Equetro® also fits well within our growing product portfolio which includes Marplan® (isocarboxazid), the classic MAO- inhibitor for treatment-resistant depression.”
Validus Pharmaceuticals will begin active promotion of Equetro® during the U.S. Psychiatric & Mental Health Congress -- one of the nation’s largest gatherings of mental health professionals -- in Orlando, FL in early October.
About Validus Pharmaceuticals:
Validus Pharmaceuticals is a specialty pharmaceutical company founded in Parsippany, NJ in 2007 to serve the unmet needs of patients with central nervous system (CNS) diseases. The company pursues this mission with targeted and focused marketing efforts and active acquisition and in-licensing programs aimed at underutilized CNS products that have important future potential. Validus is a portfolio company of the Konanda Pharma Fund I, L.P. in New York City. Please log-on to http://www.validuspharma.com for additional information.
About Marplan®
Please go to the Marplan® website http://www.marplan.com for Full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNINGS regarding increased risk of suicidality in children and adolescents. MAO-inhibitors are contraindicated with certain drugs, and potential hypertensive crises may occur with tyramine containing foods. As with all antidepressants, patients should be observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, and unusual changes in behavior, especially within the first few months of therapy.
About Equetro®
Please see complete Prescribing Information for Equetro at http://www.equetro.com. EQUETRO® contains carbamazepine. If you are currently taking another medication that contains carbamazepine, do not begin taking Equetro® without discussing this with your healthcare provider. Products that contain carbamazepine have been associated with rare but serious types of blood disorders. People with Bipolar Disorder have an increased risk for suicide. It is important to discuss risk factors for suicide with your healthcare provider.
About Konanda Pharma Fund I, L.P.
Konanda Pharma Fund I, L.P. is an investment fund that is managed by Konanda Pharma Partners, LLC, based in New York City. The Fund acquires mature branded drugs through portfolio companies which it owns and operates. Please log-on to http://www.konanda.com for additional information.
Source: Validus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
