Overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition marked by the strong, immediate need to go to the bathroom (urgency), desire to go to the bathroom quite often (frequency), and involuntary loss of bladder control (incontinence).
Enablex (darifenacin) is a potent muscarinic receptor antagonist that helps reduce incontinence episodes, increases the amount of urine the bladder can hold, reduces the frequency of urination episodes and decreases urgency.
Under the terms of the agreement, Novartis will continue to record revenues for Enablex and will pay royalties to Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals (P&GP) based on the product’s performance.
“Our initial launch has been successful, and we’ve been pleased that physicians have found Enablex to be a valuable tool in treating OAB,” said Alex Gorsky, COO of Novartis. “Combining P&GP’s and Novartis’ knowledge of the consumer will increase our ability to meet the unique needs of the 33 million Americans living with OAB. This collaboration will result in the creation of an expanded sales force and additional resources that will allow us to reach more physicians and their patients.”
The agreement also provides P&G and Novartis Consumer Health the option to collaborate in over-the-counter (OTC) commercialization, should both companies decide to pursue the opportunity.