Victory Pharma, Inc, a privately held specialty pharmaceutical company, announced the launch of two additional dosage strengths of Naprelan (naproxen sodium) Controlled-Release Tablets. Naprelan is a once-daily, controlled-release formulation of naproxen sodium, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) indicated for the treatment of a number of conditions, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and management of mild to moderate pain. Victory's promotional efforts will be directed primarily at pain management specialists, rheumatologists, orthopaedic surgeons and selected primary care physicians.

Since January 2007, Victory has promoted the 375 milligram dose of Naprelan. Victory plans to commence promotion on 500 milligram and 750 milligram Naprelan dose strengths by January 15, 2009. "By promoting these additional strengths of Naprelan, we will further leverage our commercial organization and provide the dosing flexibility sought by physicians treating pain and inflammation with NSAIDs," said Matt Heck, president and chief executive officer of Victory Pharma.

"An important factor in our decision to acquire the US marketing rights to Naprelan in late 2006 was the opportunity to offer a differentiated pain therapy in light of the market withdrawal of certain COX-2 inhibitor drugs," Heck further stated. "We believe Naprelan is an attractive option for pain management. Its active ingredient, naproxen sodium, has a well established efficacy and safety profile, and its patented, controlled release technology provides patients with the convenience of once-daily dosing."