Bradley launches Veregen ointment

New Jersey, USA-based Bradley Pharmaceuticals has launched Veregen (sinecatechins) Ointment, 15%, indicated for the topical treatment of external genital and perianal warts (Condylomata acuminata) in immunocompetent patients 18 years and older. Veregen is the first new prescription treatment for external genital warts in 10 years, says Bradley, which licensed the product from Germany's MediGene and has exclusive marketing rights in the USA.

The US drugmaker says that Veregen is the first botanical drug approved for prescription use in the America and is patented through 2017, with additional applications pending which, if approved, would extend protection beyond 2020. The active ingredient, sinecatechins, is a proprietary mixture of eight catechins, the primary phenols found in green tea leaves. The health benefits associated with catechins are attributed in part to their antioxidant properties.

In two Phase III randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled studies, Veregen proved effective in clearing both baseline and newly-emerging external genital and perianal warts, with complete clearance in 53.6% of all patients studied who received Veregen (compared to 35.3% of those getting vehicle. The product also demonstrated low recurrence rates during these trials. When treated with Veregen, only 6.8% of the patients experienced recurrence, said Bradley.