Aqua Pharmaceuticals, a specialty pharmaceuticals company, has acquired US rights to, and re - launch of Verdeso (desonide) Foam, 0. 05% from Stiefel, a GSK company (GSK). Verdeso Foam is the only low - potency corticosteroid foam indicated for the topical treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in patients three months of age and older.
The emollient - based and ethanol - free Verdeso Foam is unavailable in generic form. Aqua will assume control of all manufacturing and distribution, as well as promotion of the product through its own national dermatology-specialty sales force.
“Verdeso is the perfect complement to our already robust dermatology line,” said Craig Ballaron, chief executive officer of Aqua. “Our portfolio has products formulated in a variety of vehicles: Monodox capsules, Xolegel Gel, Fluoroplex Topical cream and Cordran cream and lotion. We were missing a foam formulation in our product offering, and we believe Verdeso Foam will give physicians more prescribing options.”
“I would also like to acknowledge the important role Round Table Healthcare Partners played in this acquisition. Their transaction expertise and relationship with GSK were key elements in completing this deal,” said Ballaron.
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, inflammatory, pruritic skin disorder that occurs most frequently in children and adolescents, but is also seen in adults. The condition affects an estimated three per cent of the total US population and often follows a relapsing course. Left untreated, atopic dermatitis can have significant physical, emotional and social effects.
Pennsylvania - based Aqua Pharmaceuticals is a rapidly growing specialty pharmaceuticals company focusing on acquiring, developing and marketing prescription dermatology products.
RoundTable Healthcare Partners is an operating - oriented private equity firm focused exclusively on the healthcare industry. RoundTable partners with companies that can benefit from its extensive industry relation ships and proven operating and transaction expertise.