Proprietary technology developing quantum computing and applying AI to better enable Rx to OTC switch candidates across multiple indications
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / January 7, 2025 / Petros Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:PTPI) ("Petros" or the "Company"), a company focused on expanding consumer access to medication through over-the-counter ("OTC") drug development programs, today announces its conducive position in connection with the recently issued final rule, "Nonprescription Drug Product with an Additional Condition for Nonprescription Use" ("ACNU") by the United States Food and Drug Administration (the "FDA") for companies seeking Rx-to-OTC switch for pharmaceutical products. The Company's recently announced shift in its primary business strategy was initially developed under guidance of earlier iterations of the rule, and the Company believes the final rule will help facilitate the development of its Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) concept, which is designed to serve the emerging self-care market.
Fady Boctor, Petros' President and Chief Commercial Officer, commented, "Over the course of the development of our technology solution, we carefully followed the direction of ACNU guidance, and incorporated periodic feedback from the FDA to address key FDA concerns. With the ACNU rule now approved and adopted, we are gratified to be at the forefront of the FDA's emerging requirements for Rx-to-OTC switches. Further, we believe our previous experience in development, combined with our ongoing FDA discussions and our pursuit to integrate additional technologies like AI and quantum computing, will help to position us as leaders in this growing sector."
Petros has developed a proprietary technology-assisted platform that, based on multiple research studies, could help pharmaceutical companies pursue Rx-to-OTC switches. The Company believes that further advancement of this technology, combined with the processing and calculative power of quantum computing, could provide significant opportunities for future pharma partnerships among companies seeking to extend access and commercial viability of their products through an OTC switch.
The emerging self-care market is currently estimated to be valued over $38 billion with an expected compounded annual growth rate of 5.6% over the next 10 years1.
About Petros Pharmaceuticals Petros Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is committed to the goal of becoming a leading innovator in the emerging $38 billion self-care market by providing expanded access to key prescription pharmaceuticals as OTC treatment options. The Company is currently developing a proprietary SaaS platform designed to assist pharmaceutical companies in meeting FDA standards to assist in the Rx-to-OTC switch.
About the Pathway from Rx to OTC The process of switching a prescription medication to OTC first involves the design of a Drug Facts Label ("DFL") that is well understood by potential consumers. Then, data must show that consumers can make an appropriate informed decision to use or not to use the product based only upon the information on the DFL and their personal medical history. Then consumers must demonstrate that they can properly use the product based upon the information on the DFL. To accomplish this, the FDA ordinarily requires a consumer tested OTC DFL. Such testing includes conduct of iterative Label Comprehension Studies (LCS) in the general population, Self-Selection Studies (SSS) in a population interested in using the product and in specific populations who may be harmed if they use the product, and usually one Actual Use Trial (AUT) demonstrating safe and appropriate use by consumers in a simulated OTC setting.
The regulations that the FDA is currently in the process of finalizing introduced Additional Conditions for Nonprescription Use ("ACNU") criteria that enable correct self-selection by consumers and may expand OTC access to medications that formerly could only be available by prescription. An ACNU may be an innovative computerized tool, or the additional conditions may use other approaches that support the switch process. Petros is developing a technology platform (SaaS) to assist companies in navigating this pathway.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are based upon Petros Pharmaceuticals, Inc.'s ("Petros," "we," "our," "us" or the "Company") management's assumptions, expectations, projections, intentions, and beliefs about future events. In some cases, predictive, future-tense or forward-looking words such as "intend," "develop," "goal," "plan," "predict", "may," "will," "project," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "expect," "continue," "potential," "opportunity," "forecast," "should," "target," "strategy" and similar expressions, whether in the negative or affirmative, that reflect our current views with respect to future events and operational, economic and financial performance are intended to identify forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. Such forward-looking statements are only predictions, and actual results and the timing of certain events and circumstances may differ materially from those described by the forward-looking statements as a result of risks and uncertainties, Petros' ability to execute on its business strategy, including its plans to develop and commercialize its proprietary Rx-to-OTC switch technology Petros' ability to comply with obligations as a public reporting company; Petros' ability to maintain compliance with the Nasdaq Stock Market's listing standards; risks related to Petros' ability to continue as a going concern; risks related to Petros' history of incurring significant losses; and risks related to Petros' ability to obtain regulatory approvals for, or market acceptance of, any of its products or product candidates, including its proprietary Rx-to-OTC switch technology. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements are contained in the Company's periodic reports and in other filings that the Company has filed, or may file, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") under the headings "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and elsewhere. The Company cautions readers that the forward-looking statements included in this press release represent our beliefs, expectations, estimates and assumptions only as of the date of hereof and are not intended to give any assurance as to future results. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all these factors. Further, the Company cannot assess the effect of each such factor on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to be materially different from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Accordingly, you should not unduly rely on any forward-looking statements.
The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events, a change in our views or expectations or otherwise, except as required by federal securities laws.
