Verus Pharmaceuticals

Verus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. was a privately held specialty pharmaceutical company headquartered in San Diego, California, that operated with a clear focus on addressing unmet medical needs in pediatric populations. The company was established in November 2002 by a team of seasoned executives from Dura Pharmaceuticals: Cam L. Garner, Robert W. Keith, and Peter Schineller. Their collective experience in the pharmaceutical sector was pivotal in shaping the company's strategy, which centered on acquiring and developing a portfolio of products for childhood asthma, allergies, and related conditions.

The company's most notable achievement was the development and commercialization of Twinject, an epinephrine auto-injector designed for the emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. What set Twinject apart was its novel design as the first FDA-approved device to contain two doses of epinephrine in a single, compact unit. This was a significant advancement, as clinical data indicated that a substantial number of anaphylactic episodes require more than one dose of epinephrine for stabilization. The product was available in two dosage strengths to accommodate different patient needs.

Verus Pharmaceuticals employed a business model that combined in-house product development with strategic alliances and licensing agreements to generate revenue and expand its market reach. The company successfully licensed the Canadian manufacturing and distribution rights for Twinject to Paladin Labs in 2006 and sold the European rights to UCB. In a key strategic move in September 2007, Verus sold its pediatric asthma development programs, including a budesonide solution and a novel nebulizer device, to AstraZeneca in a deal valued at up to $310 million. The company's final major transaction occurred in March 2008, when it sold the Twinject asset and related products to Sciele Pharma for $29 million. Following the sale of its core assets, Verus Pharmaceuticals was dissolved.

Keywords: Verus Pharmaceuticals, pediatric pharmaceuticals, specialty pharma, Twinject, epinephrine auto-injector, anaphylaxis treatment, allergy, asthma, Cam L. Garner, Robert W. Keith, Dura Pharmaceuticals, Sciele Pharma acquisition, AstraZeneca deal, pharmaceutical licensing, pediatric medicine, dual-dose epinephrine, emergency medicine, drug development