SAN DIEGO, May 23 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of May Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, Verus Pharmaceuticals announces the launch of www.FreeEpinephrine.com as an innovative patient-centered initiative to benefit the millions of individuals who suffer from life threatening allergies and the potential danger of anaphylaxis. This special, one-time program enables patients to receive a free Twinject(R) if they currently have an EpiPen(R)*. Twinject, a novel epinephrine auto-injector indicated for the emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions, is the only available product approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that contains two doses of epinephrine in a single, compact device.
"Twinject was introduced with the fundamental objective of addressing unmet medical needs for those individuals at risk for anaphylaxis, a life- threatening condition," said Robert W. Keith, President and Chief Operating Officer of Verus Pharmaceuticals. "We underscore our deep commitment to supporting these patients and their caregivers by offering free access to the first innovative epinephrine auto-injector to be introduced to the U.S. market in over 20 years. Working collaboratively with the medical community and patient advocacy groups, our intent is to provide a continuous stream of innovative products and programs for those at risk for anaphylaxis."
"It is imperative that all patients at risk for anaphylaxis be fully prepared at all times to address these unpredictable episodes," said Clifford W. Bassett, M.D., Medical Director of Allergy and Asthma Care of New York.
The www.FreeEpinephrine.com program is expected to run through August 31, 2006. By visiting the website, patients who currently have an EpiPen can learn how to receive their free Twinject. Information about www.FreeEpinephrine.com also will be featured in patient publications such as Allergy & Asthma Today, Coping with Allergies & Asthma, and Living Without.
About Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening systemic reaction triggered by exposure to one or more various antigens, including foods, insect stings, drugs, and latex products. Up to 43 million people in the U.S. alone are at risk for anaphylactic episodes, and underlying incidence rates are expected to continue increasing in future years. Up to eight percent of children have food allergies, with sensitivities to peanuts and tree nuts among children having doubled in the past five years. The timing, location, pattern (including onset, severity and length) and specific treatment requirements for each future episode cannot be predicted in advance. As such, all at- risk patients need to be fully prepared at all times for these unpredictable episodes.
About Twinject
Twinject Auto-Injector (epinephrine injection, USP 1:1000) is the only available product approved by the FDA that contains two doses of epinephrine in a single, compact device. This is an important feature, as published studies demonstrate that more than one dose of epinephrine may be required for approximately one in three patients to properly address the allergic reaction, with the second dose often needed within 5-10 minutes after the first (references 1,2,3). Furthermore, a recent study demonstrated that only 16% of patients carry two single-dose auto-injectors at all times (reference 3). More information about anaphylaxis and Twinject is available on Verus' Twinject website at www.twinject.com.
About Verus
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.
Verus(TM) and Twinject(R) are trademarks of Verus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Forward-Looking Statements
Verus Pharmaceuticals cautions you that statements included in this press release 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 press release 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 press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.
*EpiPen(R) is a registered trademark of Dey(R) L.P. Verus' use of this mark in no way implies any affiliation with or sponsorship or endorsement by Dey.
References: 1. Webb L, et al., J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2004;113(suppl 1):S240. Abstract 857 2. Korenblat P, et al., Allergy Asthma Proc. 1999;20:383-386 3. Vargese M, et al., AAAAI Annual Meeting 2006, Miami, FL March 3-7, 2006.
Media Contacts: Amy Caterina for Twinject/Verus acaterina@veruspharm.com 858-436-1623 or Lynn Rubenson for CarryOn Communications lrubensol@sbcglobal.net 858-259-8660
Verus PharmaceuticalsCONTACT: Amy Caterina, +1-858-436-1623, acaterina@veruspharm.com, forTwinject/Verus; or Lynn Rubenson, +1-858-259-8660, lrubensol@sbcglobal.net,for CarryOn Communications
