ACRX AcelRX Pharmaceuticals Inc

AcelRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ACRX) gave an update on its rising patent estate. The company now has 19 patents issued globally. These patents cover AcelRx Pharma’s lead candidate Zalviso in addition to the company’s proprietary platform technologies through 2027 – 2031.

These 19 patents are composed of 9 U.S. patents, 3 European patents and 7 patents issued in international territories including Japan and China.

In 2013, 4 U.S. patents were issued – (1) patent #8,357,114 entitled "Drug dispensing device with flexible push rod" (Jan 22, 2013); (2) patent #8,499,966 entitled "Method of moving a delivery member of a dispensing device for administration of oral transmucosal dosage forms" (Aug 6, 2013); (3) patent #8,535,714 entitled "Small volume oral transmucosal dosage forms containing sufentanil for treatment of pain" (Sep 17, 2013); and (4) patent #8,548,623 entitled "Storage and dispensing devices for administration of oral transmucosal dosage forms" (Oct 1, 2013).

In 2013, 1 European patent was issued, #EP1973593B1, entitled "Drug storage and dispensing devices and systems comprising the same" (Apr 10, 2013).

We note that AcelRx Pharma is seeking U.S. approval for Zalviso for managing the moderate-to-severe acute pain in adults in the hospital setting. The New Drug Application (NDA) was submitted by the company to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Zalviso in the above indication last month. The NDA was submitted on the basis of data from two phase III studies – one in patients following major abdominal surgery and the other in patients following major joint replacement surgery.

AcelRx Pharma carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Currently, companies like Roche Holding (RHHBY), Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ISIS) and Actelion Ltd. (ALIOF) look more attractive with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).

 
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