BioSpecifics Snapshot
BioSpecifics Technologies previously made the active pharmaceutical ingredient collagenase for a topical ointment used to treat severe burns and skin ulcers; the Ross Products unit of Abbott Laboratories was its primary customer. However, because of steadily declining demand for the ointment, BioSpecifics sold the business in 2006 to DFB Biotech. It is instead developing an injectable collagenase as a treatment for a number of conditions, including skin-thickening disorders Dupuytren's disease and Peyronie's disease. The company is working with Auxilium Pharmaceuticals on these indications. The family of founder Edwin Wegman owns about 20% of BioSpecifics; Wegman died in 2007.