Sigma-Tau, Crosscare ink deal for marketing, distribution of Colief in US

As part of the deal, Sigma-Tau will be responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution of Colief in the US.

Sigma-Tau has planned a re-launch of Colief at healthcare professionals as well as consumers in August 2014.

With the product re-launch, Colief is expected to be available in several major pharmacy chains and retailers across the US.

Colief Infant Drops is an all-natural dietary supplement available over-the-counter (OTC) and is supported by published research showing the ability to reduce colic-related crying caused by TLI.

Lactase, a naturally occurring enzyme produced within the small intestine, is the active ingredient in Colief.

Sigma-Tau chief executive officer Dave Lemus said the company is happy to announce the exclusive US marketing and sales agreement with Crosscare.

"There is a strong unmet medical need for the treatment of infant discomfort related to colic, and we are pleased to be able to offer physicians, parents and their infants, an alternative to help alleviate the underlying condition, as opposed to only treating the symptoms," Lemus said.

"Furthermore, Colief nicely complements our existing over-the-counter pediatric product line marketed to pediatricians, including VSL#3 JUNIOR, a probiotic for the dietary management of irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis in children."

Crosscare CEO Jonathan Tierney said the company wanted a US partner that understands the pediatric natural supplement market and has the experience, breadth and reach necessary to make Colief as big of a success in the US as it is elsewhere in the world.

"Sigma-Tau is such a partner, and we are thrilled to work with them to help market and sell Colief to its potential in the US," Tierney said.