AFT launches NZ-developed pain relief in US

AFT Pharmaceuticals has announced the launch of its intravenous pain relief medicine, Maxigesic IV, in the United States.

The medicine, which will be sold under the brand Combogesic IV, is the first patented, New Zealand developed medicine with clinical studies to be introduced in the US.

The company's licensee, Hikma Pharmaceuticals, is expected to make the first commercial sale of Maxigesic IV in the coming weeks.

This will trigger a $6 million licensee fee to AFT and its development partner, Hyloris Pharmaceuticals.

AFT anticipates its share of the fee, estimated at around $6m, to be accrued in the current financial year.

Maxigesic IV is already licensed in over 100 countries and marketed in more than 20.

It offers a combination of 1,000mg of acetaminophen and 300mg of ibuprofen.