The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) recently issued a new U.S. patent (Patent No. 8,617,600) to Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.’s (SUPN) antiepileptic drug, Oxtellar XR.
The patent, which will not expire before 2027, will protect Oxtellar XR from generic threat. This new patent boosts the existing patent portfolio of Oxtellar XR, which already has two issued patents.
In Feb 2013, Supernus launched Oxtellar XR in the U.S. The company reported meaningful growth in the Oxtellar XR prescriber base in the third quarter of 2013, totaling 7,596, up from 3,648 in the second quarter. Since its launch, more than 1,600 target physicians have prescribed Oxtellar XR. Recognized revenue for Oxtellar XR in the first nine months of 2013 was $1.3 million. Deferred revenues at the end of Sep 2013 were $6.6 million. Supernus expects revenues of $8.5 million for Oxtellar XR in 2013.
Last month, Supernus presented data on Oxtellar XR at the American Epilepsy Society (AES) meeting. During the double-blind PROSPER study on Oxtellar XR, seizure control was maintained. In addition, seizure control improved further during the long–term, open-label, extension study when dosages could be optimized. Oxtellar XR was also well tolerated during long-term maintenance therapy.
Supernus has an agreement with Patheon Inc. for the manufacture, formulation, development and supply of commercial-grade quantities of oxcarbazepine, the active pharmaceutical ingredient in Supernus’ Oxtellar XR, in the U.S.
Supernus carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Other players in the pharma industry, which look attractive at current levels, include Sucampo Pharmaceuticals Inc. (SCMP), WuXiPharmaTech (Cayman) Inc. (WX) and Forest Laboratories Inc. (FRX). All the three stocks carry a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
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