Enzon Reports Schering-Plough Announces Launch of PEG-INTRON Pre-Filled Pen in Europe.Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers BRIDGEWATER, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 24, 2002 Novel Single-Dose Delivery System for the Treatment of Hepatitis C Hepatitis C Definition Hepatitis C is a form of liver inflammation that causes primarily a long-lasting (chronic) disease. Acute (newly developed) hepatitis C is rarely observed as the early disease is generally quite mild. Enzon reported today that Schering-Plough Corporation (NYSE NYSE See: New York Stock Exchange : SGP SGP Singapore (ISO Country code) SGP Schering-Plough (stock symbol) SGP Stability and Growth Pact SGP Southern Great Plains SGP Staatkundig Gereformeerde Partij SGP Speedway Grand Prix ) announced that the PEG-INTRON(R) pre-filled pen (peginterferon alfa-2b peginterferon alfa-2b PEG-Intron, PegIntron (UK), ViraferonPeg (UK) Pharmacologic class: Immunomodulator Therapeutic class: Immunologic agent Pregnancy risk category C (monotherapy), X ) Single-dose Delivery System for the treatment of hepatitis C is being launched in Europe. PEG-INTRON is a longer-acting form of INTRON Intron In split genes, a portion that is included in ribonucleic acid (RNA) transcripts but is removed from within a transcript during RNA processing and is rapidly degraded. (R) A (interferon alfa-2b interferon alfa-2b, recombinant Intron A, Viraferon (UK) Pharmacologic class: Biological response modifier Therapeutic class: Antineoplastic, antiviral Pregnancy risk category C , recombinant) Injection that uses proprietary PEG technology developed by Enzon. Under the Company's licensing agreement with Schering-Plough, Enzon is entitled to royalties on worldwide sales of PEG-INTRON. Schering-Plough holds an exclusive worldwide license to PEG-INTRON.The introduction of the PEG-INTRON pre-filled pen marks a major advancement in helping patients manage their disease. Each pre-filled pen Single-dose Delivery System will contain PEG-INTRON at one of five different dosing strengths for a single use - 50 mcg, 80 mcg, 100 mcg, 120 mcg or 150 mcg. Maximum injection volume is 0.5 ml delivered through a very fine 30-gauge needle specifically designed to reduce patient discomfort often associated with needles utilized for subcutaneous injection. Combination therapy with PEG-INTRON and REBETOL(R) (ribavirin ribavirin /ri·ba·vi·rin/ (ri?bah-vi´rin) a broad-spectrum antiviral used in the treatment of severe viral pneumonia caused by respiratory syncytial virus, particularly in high-risk infants; also used in conjunction with interferon ) Capsules for hepatitis C was approved in the European Union European Union (EU), name given since the ratification (Nov., 1993) of the Treaty of European Union, or Maastricht Treaty, to the European Community (EU) in March 2001. PEG-INTRON had previously received centralized marketing authorization in the EU and is marketed as a monotherapy in cases of intolerance or contraindication contraindication /con·tra·in·di·ca·tion/ (-in?di-ka´shun) any condition which renders a particular line of treatment improper or undesirable. con·tra·in·di·ca·tion n. to ribavirin for the treatment of adult patients with histologically proven chronic hepatitis C. PEG-INTRON, recombinant interferon alfa-2b linked to a 12,000 dalton polyethylene glycol (PEG) molecule, is a once-weekly therapy designed to optimize the balance between antiviral activity and elimination half-life. Schering-Plough holds an exclusive worldwide license to PEG-INTRON. INTRON A is a recombinant version of naturally occurring alpha interferon, which has been shown to exert both antiviral and immunomodulatory effects. Schering-Plough markets INTRON A for 16 major antiviral and anticancer indications worldwide. Enzon is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development and commercialization of therapeutics to treat life-threatening diseases. The company has developed three marketed products, including PEG-INTRON(R), marketed by Schering-Plough. Enzon's product-focused strategy includes an extensive drug development program that leverages the Company's PEG modification and single-chain antibody (SCA (Single Connector Attachment) An 80-pin plug and socket used to connect peripherals. With a SCSI drive, it rolls three cables (power, data channel and ID configuration) into one connector for fast installation and removal. (R)) technologies. Internal research and development efforts are complemented by strategic transactions that provide access to additional products, projects, and technologies. Enzon has several drug candidates in various stages of development, independently and with partners. Except for the historical information herein, the matters discussed in this news release include forward-looking statements that may involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may vary significantly based upon a number of factors, which are described in the Enzon's Form 10-K, Form 10-Q's and Form 8-K's on file with the SEC, including without limitation, risks attendant to Enzon's limited sales and marketing experience, the risk that development efforts may be cancelled or delayed, the risk that the financial impact of the transaction may not be accretive or profitable, risks in obtaining and maintaining regulatory approval for indications and expanded indications market acceptance of and continuing demand for Enzon's products and the impact of competitive products and pricing. This release is also available at http://www.enzon.com |
|
||||||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion