Crescita Therapeutics Inc., a commercial dermatology company with a portfolio of non-prescription skincare products and prescription drug products for the treatment and care of skin conditions, diseases and their symptoms, announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) has granted U.S. Patent No. 10,350,180 for an enhanced formulation of Pliaglis which provides extended patent protection until 2031. Related patents have also been issued worldwide with the latest expiry date in 2031.
In April 2017, Crescita announced that it had entered into a development and commercialization license agreement (“the Agreement”) with Taro Pharmaceuticals Inc. (“Taro”). Under the terms of the Agreement, Crescita granted Taro an exclusive license to the rights to sell and distribute Pliaglis as well as an enhanced formulation in the U.S. market.
“The newly granted U.S. patent further strengthens our intellectual property portfolio,” said Serge Verreault, President and CEO of Crescita. “This patent helps broaden the platform for the commercialization of Pliaglis in the U.S. and, we believe that the additional worldwide patents will support Crescita’s partnering efforts for Pliaglis in the 24 rest of world countries where the drug is approved and available for partnering.”
About Pliaglis
Pliaglis, a lidocaine and tetracaine (7%/7%) formulation, is a prescription topical local anesthetic cream approved in 29 countries that provides safe and effective local dermal anesthesia on intact skin prior to superficial dermatological procedures, such as dermal filler injections, pulsed dye laser therapy, facial laser resurfacing and laser-assisted tattoo removal. This product utilizes the proprietary phase-changing topical cream “Peel” technology. The “Peel” technology consists of a drug containing cream which, once applied to a patient’s skin, dries to form a pliable layer that releases drug into the skin. Following the application period, Pliaglis forms a pliable layer that is removed from the skin allowing the dermatological procedure to be performed with minimal to no pain.