Meda acquires exclusive rights to new treatment of actinic keratosis

Meda acquires exclusive rights to new treatment of actinic keratosis 

Meda has acquired exclusive European rights to a new formulation of imiquimod
from Graceway Pharmaceuticals. The new formulation is 3,75% imiquimod topical
cream indicated for the treatment of actinic keratosis (AK). This product has
recently been approved in the US and Canada. 

Today, Meda markets a higher strength (5%) of imiquimod in Europe under the
trademark Aldara. In 2009, sales of Aldara were approximately 500 MSEK. 

3,75% imiquimod can be used on a significantly larger treatment area, it is
once-daily and more tolerable due to the decreased concentration. The patent for
this novel imiquimod formulation is pending. 

“We have very good experience with Aldara in Europe and we look forward to
provide AK patients with a new product with improved tolerability that builds on
the efficacy of imiquimod”, says Anders Lönner, CEO at Meda.

Graceway is continuing its development program around 3,75% imiquimod. Meda has
exclusive rights to follow-up products based on the imiquimod substance. 

In consideration for exclusive European rights for 3,75% imiquimod, Meda will
pay Graceway an undisclosed up-front and a single digit royalty on net sales. No
milestones payments will be due for 3,75% imiquimod.


About imiquimod and actinic keratosis 

Imiquimod is an immunomodulating agent that activates the body's own immune
defenses through the skin. Actinic keratosis is a common pre-cancerous lesion
that often develops on skin frequently exposed to the sun. It should be treated
as it cannot be predicted which AKs will develop into a more serious forms of
skin cancer. AK occurs in more than 30 million people in Europe and only a small
percentage of patients have been properly treated.

If questions, please contact:

Anders Larnholt, Vice President Corporate Development & IR	ph: +46 709-458 878


MEDA AB (publ) is a leading international specialty pharma company. Meda's
products are sold in 120 countries worldwide and the company is represented by
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www.meda.se.