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“After trialling the Acrux product for 4 days, two thirds of patients indicated that they would prefer it to their existing gel treatment.” Melbourne, Australia, 20 February 2008: Acrux (ASX:ACR), the Australian based drug delivery company, today announced the results of a patient focused market research study that was conducted over the last 6 months in the USA. The research objective was to confirm and quantify benefits of Testosterone MD-Lotion and provide an objective, independent assessment of patient preference and potential product uptake. The research involved the recruitment of 81 hypogonadal men who had been previously prescribed either gels or injections to treat their condition. 63 of the subjects used Testosterone MD-Lotion placebo for four consecutive days. The design was both qualitative and quantitative in nature, specifically evaluating in-use handling and application routine compared with existing treatments. Study Results 1. After learning about the features of Testosterone MD-Lotion: § 58% of patients surveyed indicated that they would prefer the Acrux product to their existing gel or injection medication. § 62% indicated that they would switch to the Acrux solution if their Doctor prescribed it. § Additionally, two thirds of patients would actively ask their Doctor for information about the Acrux solution, with 65% of gel users and 73% of injection users wanting to know if the Acrux solution is suitable for them right now. 2. After trialling Testosterone MD-Lotion for 4 days: § Two thirds of patients indicated that they would prefer the Acrux product to their existing gel product. § Three quarters of patients found that Testosterone MD-Lotion was better than their existing gel treatment in the time it takes to apply and in the time it takes to dry. § Two thirds of patients found it easier to apply than their existing gel. § 94% believed that it would reduce the risk of transference. § 79% of respondents became confident using it within only 2 days of use. Conclusion: Overall, patients felt that Testosterone MD-Lotion delivers on several highly important and currently unsatisfied needs: ü Provides a convenient application process that can easily be incorporated in the daily grooming routine ü Simplifies the application process and lowers total application time ü Significantly lowers the risk of transference of testosterone to others ü Reduces mess and is easy to clean up Acrux CEO Richard Treagus commented, “This research has allowed us to validate in a detailed fashion the core benefits of Testosterone MD-Lotion. The results confirm a compelling commercial proposition, addressing an unmet need in a large, growing market. This provides us with a high level of confidence as we complete preparations to move into our pivotal Phase III trial by mid-2008.” -ENDS- Contacts European and International media contacts College Hill Justine Lamond and Holly Griffiths Ph: +44 (0)20 7866 7857 Justine.lamond@collegehill.com
Investor enquiries contact CEO Richard Treagus / CFO Jon Pilcher Ph +61 417 520 509 richard.treagus@acrux.com.au / jon.pilcher@acrux.com.au
Business enquiries contact Hugh Alsop, Business Development Ph +61 439 080 353
About Hypogonadism
About the testosterone opportunity The last few years has seen a rapid uptake in transdermal gel products, due to the advantages over the more traditional and often invasive methods. Despite the success of these gels, significant issues and drawbacks exist with the current treatments. Large volumes of gel are applied by hand to the upper torso, shoulders or arms, and also require rubbing in to achieve the effective levels. They are considered messy, sticky and may have an unpleasant odour to some patients. One of the biggest drawbacks is the risk of transference to other people through direct skin contact or from residue left on the hands following application.
Testosterone MD-Lotion – A Novel Solution About Acrux - www.acrux.com.au § Acrux is an Australian drug delivery company, developing and commercialising a range of patient-preferred, patented pharmaceutical products for global markets, using its innovative technology to administer drugs through the skin. § Fast-drying, invisible sprays or liquids provide a delivery platform with low or no skin irritation, superior cosmetic acceptability and simple, accurate and flexible dosing. The technology platform is covered by broad and well-differentiated, issued patents. § Acrux has one product, Estradiol MDTS® (EvaMist™ or Ellavie™) to treat menopause symptoms, approved by the US FDA and has the following products in clinical development: o Testosterone MD-Lotion® to treat testosterone deficiency in men o Testosterone MDTS® to treat decreased libido in women o Nestorone® MDTS® contraceptive sprays for women o An undisclosed companion animal health product o Fentanyl MDTS® to treat chronic pain o Nicotine MDTS® for smoking cessation § Acrux has licensed worldwide rights to its technology for selected contraceptives and for an undisclosed proprietary drug to ORGANON, USA rights for Estradiol MDTS® to KV Pharmaceutical and for Testosterone MDTS® to VIVUS, and AUS/NZ distribution rights for Estradiol MDTS® to Aspen Pharmacare and for Testosterone MDTS® and Fentanyl MDTS® to CSL Limited. Acrux has also licensed its technology to Eli Lilly and Company for veterinary healthcare products.
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