Antares Pharma, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATRS) today announced LEO Pharma’s launch of OTREXUPto Dermatologists, the first U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved subcutaneous (SC) methotrexate (MTX) product for once weekly self-administration with an easy-to-use, single dose, disposable auto injector.
“We are very pleased that OTREXUP is now available for adult patients with severe recalcitrant psoriasis,†said Paul K. Wotton, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer. “Collaborating with LEO Pharma on the launchof OTREXUP gives Antares an opportunity to team up with a proven and successful commercial organization while LEO expands their portfolio with a new product in their field of expertise. With a dedicated sales force focused solely on the treatment of psoriasis and approximately 50,000 psoriasis patients enrolled in their QualityCare program, we believe LEO Pharma will be able to introduce and establish OTREXUPas an important new treatment option with significant growth potential in dermatology.â€
OTREXUPis indicated for use in adults who need symptomatic control of severe recalcitrant, disabling psoriasis that is not adequately responsive to other forms of therapy. OTREXUPis also indicated for adults with severe active rheumatoid arthritis who have had an insufficient therapeutic response to or are intolerant of an adequate trial of first line therapy including full dose non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, or children with active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. OTREXUPwas approved by the FDA in October 2013.
“We are very excited to be working with Antares to bring OTREXUP to psoriasis patients in the US. The addition of the novel OTREXUP auto injector to the LEO Psoriasis Portfolio allows us to expand our offering in Dermatology and will help dermatologists and their patients manage a severe and debilitating condition,†said John Koconis, President and Chief Executive Officer LEO Pharma Inc.