Novavax' testosterone medicine, which is applied as a lotion, is currently in phase II clinical development.
Esprit will receive exclusive rights to market the product in North America. Esprit will make certain minimum payments to Novavax upon the achievement of pre-determined clinical and regulatory milestones, and royalties on all net sales of the product.
Esprit will be responsible for all development costs and will lead clinical programs. Novavax will be responsible for manufacturing the product in its existing state-of-the-art facility located in Philadelphia.
Women who suffer from hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) have low sexual desire. According to the company, approximately 25% of women in the US are estimated to be affected by this condition.
“We are delighted with our second new partnership with Esprit and believe that we have the opportunity to develop and commercialize a best-in-class product for women with HSDD,” said Ray Hage, senior vice president and COO of Novavax.
Novavax first collaborated in a business relationship with Esprit late last year when Esprit licensed Novavax's estrogen therapy lotion, Estrasorb, in North America.