Under the separate settlements with Watson Pharmaceuticals and Par Pharmaceutical Companies, a generic version of the gel will be marketed beginning in 2015, approximately five years before the AndroGel patent expiry date. US-based Solvay said that the settlements allow the company to avoid the uncertainty and cost of prolonged litigation.
Solvay has entered into a co-promotion agreement with Watson as part of the deal, with Watson providing promotional support for AndroGel through its sales representatives. Par has agreed to be a manufacturer for back-up supply of the gel in the US and also provide sales support with its own sales force.
Laurence Downey, president and CEO of Solvay Pharmaceuticals, said: “Through these agreements, Solvay Pharmaceuticals is able to extend the reach of AndroGel information to more physicians and ultimately men about the diagnosis and treatment of low testosterone.”
Hypogonadism, also known as low testosterone, is one of the top ten most prevalent conditions seen by urologists. It is estimated that the condition affects up to 13 million American men aged 45 years and older. AndroGel is the number one prescribed form of testosterone therapy in the US.