Ampio Pharma Spins Off Sexual Dysfunction Business

(RTTNews) - Ampio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (AMPE) said Friday that it has spun off its sexual dysfunction business into a standalone company called Vyrix Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

The new company is expected to be funded through an initial public offering.

Ampio currently expects that completion of the initial public offering could take up to 12 months, and anticipates that Ampio's resulting ownership in Vyrix will be between 50% and 80%.

Vyrix' assets will include Zertane and Zertane-ED, late stage men's health products from Ampio's portfolio. Vyrix' initial business strategy is to initiate and complete registration trials for Zertane in the US and develop worldwide commercialization and marketing partnerships. The company will work to build awareness of PE in the US with the intention of paving the way for successful product introduction and initiate pre-clinical work on Zertane-ED, a potential combination treatment for premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction.

The new company will be headed by Chief Executive Officer Jarrett Disbrow. Disbrow was previously Founder, President and CEO of Arbor Pharmaceuticals, Inc. During his tenure at Arbor, he oversaw the successful launch of five products and the Company's acquisition in 2010.