"We are pleased to announce this agreement with Pharmacia & Upjohn, a well-established and experienced company in this therapy field. This multi-year agreement is a cornerstone in our efforts to maximise the marketing potential of Activella(TM) and our other HRT products in the US," said Lars Rebien Sørensen, corporate executive vice president and head of Health Care at Novo Nordisk.
"This agreement is an important strategic initiative to strengthen our presence with our primary care customers and specialists in the area of women's health," said Carrie Cox, executive vice president and head of Global Business Management, Pharmacia & Upjohn. "The addition of these HRT products expands our existing women's health portfolio and further leverages the sales force expansion we have undertaken in the US to support the key new products such as Detrol(TM), our innovative treatment for overactive bladder."
Product background:
HRT products are used for the treatment of symptoms in connection with the menopause and for prevention of osteoporosis (a disease which causes bones to become fragile due to loss of bone mineral density).
HRT products are used for the treatment of symptoms in connection with the menopause and for prevention of osteoporosis (a disease which causes bones to become fragile due to loss of bone mineral density).
Activella(TM) is a continuous-combined once daily tablet, which means that both oestrogen and progestogen are administered daily within the same tablet and contains 1 mg 17beta-estradiol and 0.5 mg norethindrone acetate. Activella(TM) is approved for the treatment of vasomotor symptoms associated with the menopause and for treatment of vulvar and vaginal atrophy. Activella(TM) was recently approved for prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis in Europe, and an NDA (New Drug Application) is currently under review with the FDA. Novo Nordisk has marketed Activella(TM) successfully in countries outside the US since 1998 under the brand Activelle(TM) or Kliovance®.
Vagifem® is approved for local treatment of atrophic vaginitis resulting from oestrogen deficiency. Vagifem® is a small vaginal tablet containing natural oestrogen (25 micrograms 17beta-estradiol), which is delivered intravaginally by a disposable applicator. This allows for dosages to be significantly reduced compared to oestrogen tablets taken orally with the same efficacy, and is also a more convenient administration form than vaginal cremes. Vagifem® has been marketed by Novo Nordisk in countries outside the US since 1988.
Innofem(TM) is an oestrogen-only product available in three strengths: 0.5 mg, 1 mg and 2 mg 17beta-estradiol. It is approved for the relief of vasomotor symptoms associated with the menopause, for treatment of vulvar and vaginal atrophy and for the prevention of osteoporosis. Innofem(TM) is a tablet to be taken daily, and may be combined with a progestogen if necessary. Novo Nordisk has marketed Innofem(TM) in countries outside the US under the brand Estrofem® since 1978.
The impact of the agreement on profit for Novo Nordisk will be slightly positive in 2000 due to upfront/milestone payments and thereafter via royalties. Financial terms are not announced.
Pharmacia & Upjohn is a global innovation-driven pharmaceutical and health care company. Pharmacia & Upjohn's products, services and employees demonstrate its commitment to improve wellness and quality of life for people around the world.
Novo Nordisk A/S is the world leader in insulin and diabetes care and also manufactures and markets a variety of other pharmaceutical products. Furthermore the company is the world's largest producer of industrial enzymes. Headquartered in Denmark, Novo Nordisk employs approximately 15,000 people in 61 countries and markets its products in 179 countries. Its B shares are listed on the stock exchanges in Copenhagen, London and Zurich. Its ADSs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "NVO". A demerger of Novo Nordisk with the intention to spin off the Enzyme Business into a separately listed company is expected to take place around the turn of the year 2000/2001. For further company information, visit Novo Nordisk on the World Wide Web at http://www.novo.dk
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