SAN DIEGO, May 19, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Innovus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., ("Innovus Pharma" or the "Company") www.innovuspharma.com (OTCBB: INNV ) today announced the issuance on May 13, 2014 of its Canadian patent No. 2,417,552 entitled "Compositions and Methods for Treating Sexual Response" (the "'552 Patent"). The '552 Patent is the first patent granted for Zestra® in Canada and is valid until June 2021. The '552 is the tenth patent that the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Semprae Laboratories, Inc. has been issued throughout the world.
"The issuance of this patent for compositions and methods for treating sexual response increases our worldwide patent portfolio in the female sexual dysfunction field. In addition, the '552 Patent provides Innovus Pharma with patent protection for Zestra®, which to the Company's knowledge, is only over-the-counter ("OTC") product approved in Canada for such a large indication," said Dr. Bassam Damaj, the Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company.
About Zestra® and Female Sexual Disorder
Zestra® is the only OTC natural product clinically proven in two U.S. double-blind, placebo controlled trials in 276 women to increase arousal and desire during sexual intercourse. Zestra® is commercialized in the U.S. and Canada and has sold millions of units since its launch in 2007.
Zestra® is the first NHP product to receive approval for the indication of FSDD in Canada. FSDD is a subset of Female Sexual Disorder ("FSD"), which also includes Female Sexual Arousal Disorder ("FSAD"). To date, no product has been approved in the U.S. and Canada to treat FSAD or FSDD, a persistent or recurring inability to attain or maintain adequate sexual excitement until the completion of a sexual activity. The diagnosis can also refer to an inadequate lubrication-swelling response normally present during arousal and sexual activity causing personal distress. Published papers on the FSD market size estimate it to be equal or larger than the market for erectile disorder in males, and possibly larger.
The Company recently announced that it filed for the Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder (FSI/AD) expanded label indication for its marketed Zestra® product with Health Canada. Zestra® is currently approved and marketed in Canada for the indication of Temporary Increase of Desire in Female Sexual Desire Disorder Women (FSDD).
About Innovus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Headquartered in San Diego, Innovus Pharma is an emerging leader in the OTC male and female sexual dysfunction products. The Company generates revenues from its lead products Zestra® for female arousal, and EjectDelay™ for premature ejaculation, and has a total of four marketed products in this space including CIRCUMSerum™ (for sales outside the U.S. only) and Zestra® Glide.
For more information, go to www.innovuspharma.com .
INNOVUS PHARMA'S FORWARD-LOOKING Safe Harbor
Statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, as amended: with the exception of the historical information contained in this release, the matters described herein contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that may individually or mutually impact the matters herein described for a variety of reasons that are outside the control of the Company, including, but not limited to, receiving patent protection for any of its products, receiving approval or to be compliant with the requirements of any relevant regulatory authority relating to such products, to continue to commercialize such products as Zestra® in Canada. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements as actual results could differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained herein. Readers are urged to read the risk factors set forth in the Company's most recent annual report on Form 10-K, subsequent quarterly reports filed on Form 10-Q and other filings made with the SEC. Copies of these reports are available from the SEC's website or without charge from the Company.
Innovus Pharma Contact: Kevin Holmes Chesapeake Group T: 410-825-3930
