Antares Pharma, Inc., a company involved in self-injection drug delivery technology and Uman Pharma, a manufacturer of injectable pharmaceutical products based in Quebec, Canada, today announced the formation of a strategic alliance covering Antares’ VIBEX(TM) MTX.

Under the terms of the agreement Antares and Uman will invest jointly to develop and commercialize VIBEX(TM) MTX, Antares’ novel pressure-assisted, injection device, containing methotrexate (MTX) for rheumatoid arthritis and related autoimmune conditions in the US and Canada. Antares will lead the clinical development program, FDA regulatory submissions, and retains rights to commercialize the VIBEX(TM) MTX product outside of Canada. Uman will perform formulation development and manufacturing activities to support the registration of VIBEX(TM) MTX and supply methotrexate in prefilled syringes to Antares for the US market. Uman received an exclusive license to commercialize the VIBEX(TM) MTX product in Canada. The companies intend to work together to commercialize the VIBEX(TM) MTX product in other territories.

“We are pleased to announce this partnership with such a strong partner as Uman Pharma to develop methotrexate for use in our VIBEX(TM) injection device,” stated Paul K. Wotton, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our market research with physicians shows that most would use methotrexate by the parenteral route more frequently, thereby accelerating market growth, if provided with a simple-to-use and secure system that enabled patients to reliably and comfortably self-inject the drug. We believe that physicians and patients alike will welcome our VIBEX(TM) injection system for administering parenteral methotrexate.”

“We are very excited and proud to be associated with Antares Pharma for the development and manufacturing of methotrexate in pre-filled syringes and look forward to the anticipated launch of the VIBEX(TM) delivery technology for the US and Canadian markets,” stated Uman Pharma’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Sylvain Duvernay. “Entering this strategic alliance represents an important milestone for us and it is in line with our vision and our mission to bring top-quality products, adding a human touch to make a true difference in patients’ lives.”