Venus secures EU patent for Achnil

Venus Remedies has been granted a patent by the European Patent Office (EPO) for its research drug Achnil, a once-daily painkiller injection.

The patent will run until 2025 in the member countries of EPO, reinforcing the market position of Venus Remedies in the major economies such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland and UK.

Dr Manu Chaudhry, joint managing director, said: "This novel formulation based on NDDS (novel drug delivery system) technology is going to fill the gap of long standing demand for better pain management therapy. Especially for aged population, it is not only going to reduce the number of pricks but will also drastically reduce the side effects associated with the use of NSAIDs [non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs]."

The development of Achnil took more than five years and has completed phase-III clinical trials successfully.

The company said it has plans to commercialise Achnil formulation in the European market through out-licensing of exclusive marketing rights to a pharma major.