Auxilium Pharmaceuticals

Auxilium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. was a specialty biopharmaceutical company founded in 1999 with a strategic focus on developing and marketing products for urology and men's health. The company established a significant market presence through a portfolio of 12 approved products, addressing conditions such as erectile dysfunction, testosterone replacement, and Peyronie's disease.

Key products in its commercial portfolio included XIAFLEX, a biologic treatment for Dupuytren's contracture and Peyronie's disease; Testim, a testosterone gel for hypogonadism; and TESTOPEL, an implantable testosterone replacement therapy. The company's business model revolved around the development and commercialization of these specialist-focused pharmaceutical products. A significant milestone was the 2013 acquisition of Actient Holdings LLC for $585 million, a move that created a more comprehensive urology platform and expanded its testosterone replacement therapy offerings.

In a culminating event for the company, Auxilium was acquired by Endo International plc in a transaction valued at approximately $2.6 billion, announced in October 2014 and completed in January 2015. This acquisition was positioned as a strategic move to enhance Endo's branded pharmaceuticals business by integrating Auxilium's complementary portfolio, particularly strengthening its offerings in urology and orthopedics. The deal followed Auxilium's rejection of an earlier, lower offer from Endo and the termination of a planned merger with QLT Inc. Following the acquisition, Auxilium's common stock ceased trading on the NASDAQ Global Market.

Keywords: Auxilium Pharmaceuticals, specialty biopharmaceutical, urology, men's health, Endo International, acquisition, XIAFLEX, TESTOPEL, Testim, Peyronie's disease, Dupuytren's contracture, testosterone replacement therapy, erectile dysfunction, pharmaceutical development, Actient Holdings, STENDRA, Edex, Osbon ErecAid, hypogonadism, orthopedics