Cephalon: Amrix to be key growth driver

Cephalon has announced that Amrix (cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride extended-release capsules) is to be a major driver of growth for the firm.

Amrix facilitates the administration of a full day of treatment with cyclobenzaprine in a single dose as therapy for acute painful musculoskeletal conditions.

The firm acquired an exclusive license to market the compound in the US from Eurand last year and the compound has recently been issued with a pharmaceutical formulation patent from the US Patent and Trademark Office.

It adds this patent covers the proprietary Diffucaps technology from Eurand used to formulate the muscle relaxant as an extended-release capsule.

Frank Baldino Jr, chairman and chief executive officer of Cephalon, said: “Physician and patient response to Amrix has resulted in strong prescription growth in 2008 and we expect that this product will be a key growth driver in our business for many years.”

He added the recent issuing of a patent supports the investment made by Cephalon in the compound.

Cephalon signed a deal with ECR Pharmaceuticals for the acquisition of the rights to Amrix in August 2007.

The company paid an initial fee of $100 million (50.4 million pounds) for he rights to the drug and described it as an excellent fit to its sales organisation.