4 August 2011 - Orion Corporation (Nasdaq OMX Helsinki: ORNAV and ORNBV) announced that it has entered into a collaboration agreement with Nycomed for the co-marketing of Easyhaler® combination products for the treatment of asthma and COPD in the major European countries and an exclusive license and distribution arrangement for the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA). Both companies will commercialise Easyhaler combination products under their own brands accompanied by the Easyhaler umbrella brand.
The agreement covers Orion’s new Easyhaler combination products for treatment of asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Orion is developing a budesonide-formoterol formulation that combines budesonide as an anti-inflammatory agent and formoterol as a long-acting bronchodilator. In addition, Orion has another Easyhaler® research programme in progress to develop a fluticasone-salmeterol formulation. In this formulation fluticasone acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and salmeterol acts as a long-acting bronchodilator. Both these combination products are included in the co-marketing agreement.
Respiratory is a key strategic area for Nycomed, including the COPD treatment Daxas® (roflumilast), Alvesco® (ciclesonide) for asthma, and Omnaris® for allergic rhinitis. The collaboration with Nycomed reinforces Orion’s presence throughout Europe and is in line with Orion's strategy to strengthen its marketing position in Europe and the sales coverage through partnerships. The co-marketing area - in which both companies present their own product brands under the Easyhaler umbrella brand - covers the major European countries including Austria, the Benelux countries, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland. Orion will retain exclusive marketing rights for the Nordic countries, U.K. and Eastern Europe where the company is currently promoting single molecule Easyhaler products. Orion will exclusively manufacture the Easyhaler combination products covered by the agreement... Orion's Press Release - Nycomed's Press Release -
