Meda acquire rights to the first combination of an NSAID (ketoprofen) and a proton pump inhibitor (omeprazole)

Meda acquire rights to the first combination of an NSAID (ketoprofen) and a
proton pump inhibitor (omeprazole)

Meda and Ethypharm, a French development company, signed an exclusive 15-year
agreement for an innovative combination product within the pain and inflammation
therapy area (TA). The product consists of these well-recognised substances:
omeprazole (proton pump inhibitor) and ketoprofen (NSAID). By using this novel
product, patients can avoid serious gastrointestinal problems - a common NSAID
side effect. Better improved compliance through once daily presentation. 

The agreement includes most European markets; Germany, Spain, and the UK are the
largest. An increase in Europe's aging population parallels an increase in
rheumatic diseases. So the new product's potential is high.

A product registration application has been submitted. Meda is paying EUR 2
million after signing for the marketing rights, and it will pay up to an
additional EUR 5 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 EUR 55 million.

The product comes in a capsule that contains ketoprofen (sustained-release
granulate) and omeprazole (enteric-coated granulate). And thanks to Ethypharm's
pharmaceutical technologies, a unique, one-dose formulation was developed.
Ketoprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) mostly used for
rheumatic disorders. Omeprazole is an acid-reducing proton pump inhibitor for
protection against mucosal injuries. 

“This new product will greatly aid patients who currently need two medications
to avoid side effects from using NSAIDs,” says Anders Lönner, Meda's CEO. “The
agreement between Meda and Ethypharm fortifies Meda's position within the
high-priority pain and inflammation TA - an area in which Meda already holds a
strong position with several well-established products.” 

” The reason why we selected Meda before many other competitors is Meda's
pan-European coverage and strong marketing organisation in the pain area,” says
Gérard Leduc, Ethypharm's president.


For more information, please contact:
Anders Lönner, CEO		         tel. +46 8 630 19 72
Anders Larnholt, Investor Relations	tel. +46 8 630 19 62, +46 709 458 878


MEDA AB (publ) is a leading European specialty pharma company that concentrates
on marketing and market-adapted product development. Acquisitions and long-term
partnerships are fundamental factors that drive the company's strategy. Meda has
its own affiliates in 25 countries and more than 1,000 employees within
marketing and sales. The Meda share is listed under Large Cap on the OMX Nordic
Stock Exchange. Find out more, visit www.meda.se.