Crystal Genomics and Daehwa Pharmaceutical said they have registered a patent for their patch-form Acelex, a degenerative arthritis treatment.

The two companies will hold the patent until it expires on March 22, 2038.

Acelex, the nation's 22nd novel drug that treats degenerative arthritis, is a selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor designed to maintain the pain-reducing properties of traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

According to Crystal Genomics, the patch-form treatment is an innovative new drug that confirmed better efficacy and safety even with a small dose of 2mg per day compared to its competitors, including Pfizer's Celebrex. It has been sold in capsule form through Dong-A ST and Daewoong Pharmaceutical.

"Polmacoxib, the main ingredient of Acelex, which has excellent effects on pain and inflammation control, has the advantage of being developed into various formulations as the required daily dosage is 1/100 of competing drugs," the company said. "We expect that it will become a new treatment option to control and treat pain and inflammation as an NSAID that uses the world's smallest dose."

A company official also said, "We are pleased to develop the patch form following Acelex’s purification. To maximize Acelex's profits, it is necessary to block the market entry of generic drugs and extend the market monopoly by securing patents."

The company plans to grow Acelex into a world-class brand by successfully securing patents, developing various formulations and combinations, and sign export contracts, he added.

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