The company further plans to start a development program to examine the investigational product as an oral treatment for male hypogonadism, also known as low testosterone (low T). It is estimated that hypogonadism affects more than 13 million men in the US, aged 45 and older.
The deal sees Solvay to make an upfront payment and future milestone payments to Lipocine. Lipocine will also get royalties based upon product sales. In addition, Solvay will fund Lipocine development expenses associated with this program.
Stephen Hill, President of Solvay, said: “As the market leader in the field, we will apply our expertise in the treatment of low testosterone to the development of an oral testosterone replacement therapy. This compound has the potential to be the next major innovation in the management of low testosterone.”