Additional Strengths Provide More Precise Dosing Options
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., July 27, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Medicis (NYSE:MRX) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved additional strengths of SOLODYN(R) (minocycline HCl, USP) Extended Release Tablets in 65mg and 115mg dosages for the treatment of inflammatory lesions of non-nodular moderate to severe acne vulgaris in patients 12 years of age and older.
"We are very pleased to announce the approval of these new strengths of SOLODYN," said Jonah Shacknai, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Medicis. "These additional strengths will complement the current SOLODYN lineup to offer physicians more precise weight-based dosing options, and make SOLODYN the first and only extended release minocycline with five FDA-approved dosing strengths. We believe physicians and patients will appreciate the value of this greater dosing precision."
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne is the most common skin disorder in the United States, affecting 40 million to 50 million Americans(1). In 2008, there were over 4.5 million patient visits to dermatologists for acne(2). Greater than 5.3 million prescriptions were written by dermatologists for minocycline, doxycycline and/or tetracycline, totaling approximately $879 million in branded and generic retail dollars. Approximately 28% of the 5.3 million prescriptions were written for branded products(3).
About SOLODYN Extended Release Tablets
Launched to dermatologists in July 2006 after approval by FDA on May 8, 2006, SOLODYN is the only branded oral minocycline approved for once daily dosage in the treatment of inflammatory lesions of non-nodular moderate to severe acne vulgaris in patients 12 years of age and older. SOLODYN was the first approved minocycline in extended release tablet form. Minocycline is lipid soluble, and distributes in the skin and sebum.
The dosing and administration for SOLODYN is based on extensive, multi-year clinical trials conducted by Medicis in which over 1,000 patients participated. The recommended dosage for SOLODYN is 1 mg/kg daily. In Medicis-sponsored studies, higher doses of SOLODYN (2- and 3-mg/kg/day) were tested against 1 mg/kg/day SOLODYN and did not show additional therapeutic benefits in the treatment of inflammatory lesions of acne. Higher doses have not been shown to be of additional benefit, and may be associated with more acute vestibular side effects(4).
SOLODYN has three issued patents. U.S. patent No. 5,908,838 ('838), which expires in 2018, relates to the use of the SOLODYN unique dissolution rate. The Company believes all forms of SOLODYN currently approved for use, including the 65mg and 115mg dosages, are covered by one or more claims of the '838 patent. U.S. Patent No. 7,541,347, which expires in 2027, relates to the use of the 90mg controlled-release oral dosage form of minocycline to treat acne. U.S. Patent No.
