The companies believe that the combination of omeprazole (a proton pump inhibitor) and ketoprofen (NSAID) in one pill will avoid the gastrointestinal problems which are commonly associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID).
The agreement includes most European markets, including Germany, Spain, and the UK, and a product registration application has been submitted. Meda is paying E2 million after signing for the marketing rights, and will pay up to an additional E5 million in milestone payments when authorities approve registration and when specified sales levels are reached. No additional milestone payments will be made after sales reach E55 million.
Anders Lonner, Meda’s CEO, said: “This new product will greatly aid patients who currently need two medications to avoid side effects from using NSAIDs. The agreement between Meda and Ethypharm fortifies Meda’s position within the high-priority pain and inflammation therapy area – an area in which Meda already holds a strong position with several well-established products.”