AI-525
AI-525 is an injectable formulation of the hydrophobic drug, celecoxib, the active ingredient in Pfizer Inc.'s CELEBREX® (Pfizer, Inc.), which had revenues of more than $2.4 billion in 2009. CELEBREX® is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug offering both anti-inflammation and pain relief for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis as well as acute pain, but it is currently available only in oral form. Acusphere believes that a significant unmet need exists for an injectable, non-opioid analgesic in a postoperative setting that not only provides acute pain relief and imparts anti-inflammatory effect, but also has an improved side effect and safety profile versus the currently utilized Toradol® (Roche) or opioids. Given the large market for postoperative pain relief, Acusphere believes AI-525 is well-positioned to fill this unmet need. Worldwide rights to AI-525 were licensed to Cephalon in 2008.