Azur launches BioSante's Elestrin in USA

The USA's Azur Pharma has launched Elestrin (estradiol gel). The firm licensed the treatment for the vasomotor symptoms associated with  the menopause from BioSante Pharmaceuticals in December 2008.  Elestrin was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in  December 2006 and is patent-protected through June 2022. Azur will  market Elestrin to estrogen-prescribing physicians, comprised mostly of  gynecologists. Azur recently increased its women's health and urology  sales force to 65 people to support the launch. BioSante is entitled to  receive Elestrin milestones of up to an aggregate of $144.5 million if  certain sales levels are achieved. Azur has also agreed to pay to  royalties on Elestrin ranging from 10% to 20% on sales.