Published on February 10, 2010 at 9:09 AM
AVANIR Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVNR) today announced that
the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued the
Company a new patent for its lead drug candidate Zenvia™
(dextromethorphan/quinidine), extending the period of patent protection
in the United States into late 2025. U.S. patent number 7,659,282 titled
"Pharmaceutical Compositions Comprising Dextromethorphan and
Quinidine for the Treatment of Neurological Disorders" was issued on
February 9, 2010. The new patent will provide AVANIR with patent
protection for low-dose quinidine formulations of Zenvia used to treat
pseudobulbar affect (PBA).
“The
issuance of the new U.S. patent was a significant milestone for the
Company and greatly enhances the intellectual property profile of Zenvia
which includes patents and patent applications that claim methods of
treating PBA, chronic pain, as well as other neurologic conditions.”
“We are very pleased the USPTO has issued this patent for our new
low-dose quinidine formulations of Zenvia in the treatment of PBA,” said
Greg Flesher, Vice President of Business Development at AVANIR. “The
issuance of the new U.S. patent was a significant milestone for the
Company and greatly enhances the intellectual property profile of Zenvia
which includes patents and patent applications that claim methods of
treating PBA, chronic pain, as well as other neurologic conditions.”
“This new patent significantly extends the period of Zenvia patent
protection in the U.S. and is an important part of our overall strategic
plan,” said Keith Katkin, AVANIR’s President and CEO. “This new patent
creates a foundation for our planned commercial launch in early 2011 and
will provide approximately 15 years of revenue generation. The extended
patent term is expected to considerably enhance the long-term value of
our promising drug candidate Zenvia. With extensive IP protection, an
FDA approval decision expected in the fourth calendar quarter of 2010,
and a strong balance sheet, we are well positioned to create substantial
value for our shareholders.”
Source AVANIR Pharmaceuticals, Inc.