Barrier Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: BTRX), a
pharmaceutical company developing products in the field of dermatology,
today announced that it has acquired the right to distribute VANIQA®
(eflornithine hydrochloride) Cream, 13.9% in Canada from Shire
Pharmaceutical Contracts Limited. VANIQA® is currently the only
prescription product approved by Health Canada for slowing the growth of
unwanted facial hair in women.
Under the terms of the agreement, Barrier will be the exclusive distributor
for VANIQA® in the Canadian territory and will be responsible for all
sales, marketing, regulatory and distribution activities. Shire
Pharmaceuticals will be the supplier of finished goods for Barrier.
"Having acquired the rights to sell VANIQA® in Canada, along with our
existing product Solagé®, we will immediately begin to build our own
sales and marketing organization in Canada," commented Al Altomari, Chief
Commercial Officer. "We view Canada as an important market in our global
commercialization plans, as it provides us an opportunity to leverage our
existing commercial infrastructure."
About VANIQA® (eflornithine hydrochloride) Cream, 13.9%
VANIQA® is the only prescription product approved by Health Canada for
slowing the growth of unwanted facial hair in women. VANIQA® works
during the growth phase of the hair cycle by blocking an enzyme that is
necessary for hair growth. VANIQA® does not remove facial hair; instead,
it is designed to reduce the rate of growth of facial hair and increase the
interval between periods of hair removal when used together with
traditional hair removal methods such as shaving, waxing and tweezing.
Clinical trials have shown results from the use of VANIQA® in four to
eight weeks from initial application, with continued improvement over time.
VANIQA® is approved for sale in 39 countries, including the United
States, Canada, the European Union, and major Latin American countries.
About Barrier Therapeutics, Inc.
Barrier Therapeutics, Inc. is a pharmaceutical company focused on the
discovery, development and commercialization of pharmaceutical products in
the field of dermatology. The Company currently markets Solagé® (mequinol
2%, tretinoin 0.01%) Topical Solution in the U.S. and Canada for the
treatment of solar lentigines, a common condition also known as "age spots"
or "liver spots," and for the broader indication including related
hyperpigmented lesions in Canada. Barrier has eight product candidates in
various stages of clinical development. The four most advanced product
candidates include one for the treatment of diaper dermatitis complicated
by candidiasis, which is in registration, and three products, which are in
or entering Phase 3 clinical trials for the treatment of seborrheic
dermatitis, fungal infections, including vaginal candidiasis and
onychomycosis, and congenital ichthyosis. Barrier has product candidates
in earlier stages of clinical development for the treatment of acne,
psoriasis and fungal infections. The Company is headquartered in
Princeton, New Jersey and has wholly owned subsidiaries in Geel, Belgium
and Ontario, Canada. Web site: http://www.barriertherapeutics.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
In addition to historical facts or statements of current condition, this
press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the
"Safe Harbor" provisions of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995, including statements regarding Barrier's plans for commencing
commercialization of Vaniqa®. Forward-looking statements provide
Barrier's current expectations or forecasts of future events. Barrier's
performance and financial results could differ materially from those
reflected in these forward-looking statements due to the decisions of
regulatory authorities, Barrier's ability to implement its commercial
plans, general financial, economic, regulatory and political conditions
affecting the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries generally. For a
discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties that may effect the
forward-looking statements please see the risk factors in our Annual Report
on Form 10K, which is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Given these risks and uncertainties, any or all of these forward-looking
statements may prove to be incorrect. Barrier undertakes no obligation to
update publicly any forward-looking statement.
Contact:
Barrier Therapeutics, Inc.
Anne M. VanLent
609-945-1202
Noonan Russo
Jane Petrino
212-845-4274