ASX Health Stocks: Acrux jumps 70pc after launching its acne gel in the US

Acrux announced launch of acne gel in the US
Recce Pharma granted Israeli patent for its anti-infectives

Acrux jumps massively after announcing US launch

Acrux (ASX:ACR) jumped almost 70% this morning after launching its generic of Dapsone 5%, Gel in the United States.

Dapsone 5%, Gel is a prescription medicine used on the skin (topical) to treat acne vulgaris. It helps decrease the number and severity of acne pimples, and helps pimples that do develop to heal more quickly.

Dapsone is an antibiotic. According to data from IQVIA, annual market sales for Dapsone 5%, Gel products exceed US$15 million.

A generic of topical acne treatment, Aczone, it was approved by the FDA in June 2023.

Acrux’s CEO, Michael Kotsanis said the company was “look(ing) forward to announcing additional regulatory approvals and launches in the future”.

The company now has 15 products in its portfolio.

Six are approved products of which two are currently revenue generating, in addition to the Dapsone 5%, Gel product, which will soon be generating sales.

Three products meanwhile are currently being reviewed by the FDA.

Recce Pharma granted Israeli patent

Recce Pharmaceuticals (ASX:RCE) announced that the Israel Patent Office has formally granted Recce’s new Patent Family 4 for RECCE’s anti-infectives, with expiry date of 2041.

The patent claims relate to RECCE 327 (R327) and RECCE 529 (R529), most notably the process for preparation of RECCE anti-infectives.

The patent also covers the use of R327/R529 for the treatment of disease, particularly in treatment of bacterial infections, viral infections and more.

The patent allows the administration of the drug to be applied as an aerosol, gel, topical foam or ointment (or impregnated into a dressing for application to skin or mucous membranes for transdermal or transmucosal delivery).

In 2021, Israel’s pharmaceutical market reached US$5.3 billion, placing the country as one of the fastest healthcare spending growth countries in the world.

“We are excited to continue advancing our anti-infective portfolio supporting the company’s Israeli opportunities over the time ahead,” said Recce’s CEO, James Graham.