Testosterone Undecanoate-Schering AG

Schering AG is developing a formulation of testosterone undecanoate [Nebido] for the treatment of testosterone deficiency or hypogonadism. This deficiency can lead to decreased muscle mass, impaired muscle function, osteoporosis, reduced sexual function and mental degeneration. Schering claims that its new formulation provides superior control of blood levels of the drug and permits a longer period of application. Nebido requires only four injections per year, and represents a major improvement for men with testosterone deficiency. Schering AG received approval of its testosterone undecanoate formulation in its first European country, Finland, in November 2003 for the treatment of hypogonadism in men. In July 2004, Schering's testosterone undecanoate formulation completed approval of the European mutual recognition procedure. This approval clears the way for marketing the product (as Nebido) in the large pharmaceutical markets like Germany, France and the UK. The initial phase of the product launch will occur in Finland in October 2004, and in Germany in November 2004. Other European countries will follow in 2005, and following receipt of approval, it will be introduced in the first Latin American and Asian countries. In its 2002 Annual Report, Schering predicted that testosterone undecanoate has the potential to reach peak sales of euro 100 million, 3 years after launch-launch in Europe was at the time anticipated in 2004.