Patients Should Practice With Demonstrator Units to Ensure Proper Usage in Light of Recent Fatal Allergic Reactions *** MEDIA ALERT *** Wednesday, JANUARY 11, 2006 WHAT:
Media attention has been increasingly concentrated on a number of deaths caused by severe allergic reactions to food. First it was the kiss of death in Canada when an allergic teenage girl kissed her boyfriend who had recently eaten peanut butter. Then, two days after Christmas, another teenager died at the hands of a severe allergic reaction -- this time from a sweet Christmas treat containing peanuts. Officials are trying to figure out how to prevent senseless deaths like these. Beginning in January 2006, food labels will have to disclose whether the products contain milk, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, wheat or soybeans.
Food allergies can be very serious. The FDA estimates that 2 percent of adults and 5 percent of children suffer from food allergies. Each year, about 30,000 people require emergency room treatment for food allergies resulting in severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) and an estimated 150 people die.
Even with improved food labels in place, people will still have anaphylactic episodes. Anaphylaxis can be treated with epinephrine auto-injectors such as Twinject(R), which is indicated for the emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions. Twinject is the only available FDA approved product with two doses of epinephrine in a single device. According to a study published in the journal Allergy and Asthma Proceedings, one in three patients may require a second dose of epinephrine to stop a severe allergic reaction. Allergy sufferers never know if they will need a second dose until they are in the throes of an allergic reaction, therefore it is important that sufferers are always prepared with a second dose. Whether a patient requires one dose or two, patients should immediately seek emergency medical attention.
It is not enough for patients to simply carry their epinephrine devices. Patient education regarding usage is a necessity. According to a recently published article in the National Review of Medicine relating to the recent fatal peanut butter kiss in Canada, it appears that the teen did not use her auto-injector correctly and, as a result, did not receive the full dose of epinephrine. She did not have a back-up dose available and was unable to receive appropriate medical attention quickly enough. Twinject contains two doses of epinephrine in a single device, so patients have quick and easy access to the second dose, if needed.
WHY:
More than 40 million people in the United States are at risk for anaphylactic episodes. Episodes include symptoms such as hives, swollen tongue and difficulty breathing. Individuals can be prepared by carrying a Twinject epinephrine auto-injector and by knowing how to use it properly to avoid a fatal severe allergic reaction.
HOW: Demonstrator devices and educational DVDs are available upon request.
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO SCHEDULE AN INTERVIEW WITH A VERUS EXECUTIVE OR ALLERGIST CONTACT: Kathy W. Sweeney or Jennifer Mitchell, (858) 455-5500 x230/ x320, kwitz@mentus.com, jmitchell@mentus.com.
About Twinject(R)
Twinject(R) Auto-Injector (epinephrine injection, USP 1:1000), marketed by Verus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is the only available product approved by the FDA that contains two doses of epinephrine in a single device. This is important, as published studies indicate that more than one dose of epinephrine may be required for one in three patients to properly address the allergic reaction, with the second dose often needed within five to 10 minutes after the first.
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 corporate website at www.veruspharm.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Verus Pharmaceuticals cautions you that statements included in this media alert that are not a description of historical facts may be forward-looking statements. The inclusion of forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by Verus that any of its plans will be achieved. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in this media alert due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in Verus' business including, without limitation, statements about: its ability to identify appropriate acquisition, licensing, or co-development and/or promotion candidates in the future or be able to take advantage of the opportunities it identifies; difficulties or delays in developing, obtaining regulatory approval, manufacturing and commercializing its products; unexpected performance or side effects of its products that could delay or prevent development or commercialization, or that could result in recalls or product liability claims; the scope and validity of patent protection for its products; competition from other pharmaceutical companies; and its ability to obtain additional financing to support its operations. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement and Verus undertakes no obligation to revise or update this media alert to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.
Important Safety Information about Twinject
Twinject(R) auto-injector 0.3 and 0.15 mg (epinephrine injection, USP 1:1000) is indicated in the emergency treatment of severe allergic reaction (Type I) including anaphylaxis to stinging insects, and biting insects, allergen immunotherapy, foods, drugs, diagnostic testing substances, and other allergens, as well as anaphylaxis to unknown substance or exercise-induced anaphylaxis. Twinject should be administered with caution to patients with cardiac arrhythmias, coronary artery or organic heart disease, or hypertension. Adverse reactions to epinephrine include transient, moderate anxiety; apprehensiveness; restlessness; tremor; weakness; dizziness; sweating; palpitations; pallor; nausea and vomiting; headache; and/or respiratory difficulties. Full prescribing information is available at www.twinject.com.
Verus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.CONTACT: Kathy W. Sweeney, ext. 230, kwitz@mentus.com, or JenniferMitchell, ext. 320, jmitchell@mentus.com, both of Mentus, +1--858-455-5500, for Verus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
