Schering AG gets Euro Testogel rights

Schering AG of Germany has acquired the sales and distribution rightsfor the testosterone replacement preparation Testogel from the French company Besins International for the majority of European countries. Testogel is approved for the treatment of testosterone deficiency (hypogonadism) in men, and Schering says that it will launch the product in early 2003.

"Acquiring the rights for Testogel will further strengthen our core competence in male hormone therapy," commented Hubertus Erlen, the firm's chief executive.

Testogel is the first drug in a gel formulation suitable to treat the complaints caused by testosterone deficiency in men. Those who used Testogel in clinical studies to treat testosterone deficiency recorded an increase in libido, sexual function and bone density, according to a Schering statement. The drug also had a positive effect on mood, reduced tiredness and was well-tolerated without any significant skin irritations, it said.