As per the terms of the renewed license and supply agreement, Merck Serono will have marketing rights worldwide, except the US. Columbia Laboratories retains US marketing rights to the Crinone and Prochieve brands of progesterone vaginal gel products. Crinone is currently approved in 63 countries, including China, where it was approved at the end of 2008.
Earlier, on March 4, 2010, Columbia Laboratories had entered into a purchase and collaboration agreement to sell the US rights of Crinone and Prochieve to Watson Pharmaceuticals subject to approval by Columbia’s shareholders and other closing conditions.
Frank Condella, president and CEO of Columbia Laboratories, said: “We are pleased to continue our relationship with Merck Serono for Crinone. We look forward to a good royalty stream in 2010 and beyond as Merck Serono continues building Crinone’s presence in current markets and expanding its geographic reach.”