Last checked at 5 Dec 2011 07:00
For immediate release | 5 December 2011 |
Futura Medical plc
("Futura" or "the Company")
Cellulite Treatment added to Development Pipeline
Futura Medical plc (AIM: FUM), the pharmaceutical group that develops innovative products for consumer healthcare, is pleased to announce the addition to its product development pipeline of a new treatment for cellulite, the condition characterised by dimpled skin.
Futura's Cellulite Reduction Formula, codenamed CRF100, is a topically applied cream comprising a well-characterised alkaloid with Futura's highly efficient DermaSys® delivery system. The alkaloid is already used by a number of major cosmetics companies in the treatment of cellulite and its use, at levels sufficient to produce a physiological effect, is supported by a growing body of scientific literature.
In in vitro trials, CRF100 has been shown to achieve at least an eight-fold improvement in delivery of the alkaloid through the skin compared with a number of market-leading comparator products. The Company believes that this enhanced permeation, delivered by the DermaSys® system, will result in a physiologically active dose of the alkaloid in the subcutaneous tissues, the target site for the treatment of cellulite.
It is intended that CRF100 will be an over-the-counter product and will be licensed at an appropriate time to a major global company for commercialisation. A number of patent applications covering DermaSys® are in various stages of grant or prosecution and further applications may be considered pending the achievement of successful clinical outcomes.
Although classified as a cosmoceutical, Futura will develop CRF100 in line with the robust scientific principles and evidence-based approach used throughout the Company's portfolio of products. To reinforce our scientific approach, we are delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Anthony Rawlings as a scientific adviser to the Company's technical development team to assist in the clinical development of CRF100. A pivotal clinical study is expected to begin in early 2012 within Europe.
Professor Rawlings, a Visiting Professor at the London School of Pharmacy, has an impressive track record in cosmetic science and has particular expertise in cellulite. Professor Rawlings founded his own consultancy in 2002 after a successful career at major consumer healthcare companies, including Unilever and Cussons International. Professor Rawlings is the author of many scientific papers and is also named on a significant number of patents.
James Barder, Futura's Chief Executive, said: "I am delighted to announce that CRF100 is the first of a number of anticipated new products to extend our earlier-stage development pipeline. Our objective is to develop CRF100 as an evidence-based treatment to reduce the appearance of cellulite but we will pursue development only if our clinical studies achieve their endpoints. Clinical studies will begin in the coming months and we look forward to announcing the results of initial clinical studies during 2012."
For any further information please contact:
Futura Medical plc | |
James Barder, Chief Executive | Tel: +44 (0) 1483 685 670 |
mail to: james.barder@futuramedical.com | www.futuramedical.com |
Nomura Code Securities Limited | |
Phil Walker / Giles Balleny | Tel:+44 (0) 20 7776 1200 |
For media enquiries please contact: | |
Buchanan | |
Mark Court / Jessica Fontaine | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7466 5000 |
Notes to Editors
Futura Medical plc
Futura Medical is a pharmaceutical group that develops innovative products for consumer healthcare. The Company is developing a portfolio of products and its strategy is to license their manufacture and distribution to major pharmaceutical and healthcare groups.
Futura is based in Guildford, Surrey, and its shares trade on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange.
www.futuramedical.com