Finnish pharmaceutical company Orion Corporation will co-market combination products delivered by its Easyhaler dry powder inhaler with Nycomed. The agreement covers major European countries, the Middle East, and North Africa. Orion will manufacture the products and will maintain exclusive rights in the UK, Eastern Europe, and the Nordic countries. Each company will market products under their own brands.
Orion has been developing several combination DPIs for the treatment of asthma and COPD, a budesonide/formoterol combination and a fluticasone/salmeterol combination. Four single therapy formulations in Easyhaler products are currently available in 25 countries: beclametasone, budesonide, formoterol, and salbutamol.
Dr. Liisa Hurme, Senior VP of Orion’s Proprietary Products division, commented: “I am excited about the collaboration agreement and look forward to having such a strong partner focusing on the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The collaboration creates a momentum for Easyhaler products in Europe and strengthens Orion’s strategic objective to become a stronger player in the field of respiratory medication.”
Nycomed Executive VP of Commercial Operations Guido Oelkers addes, “We are very pleased to have signed this collaboration agreement with Orion. We see great potential in these high quality Easyhaler products in major European countries and the MENA region. They will significantly enhance Nycomed’s fast-growing Respiratory portfolio.”
Read the Nycomed and Orion press release.
