Grünenthal Group has entered into a definitive agreement with Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd., the European subsidiary of Tokyo-based Astellas Pharma Inc., for the exclusive rights to the dermal patch Qutenza® (capsaicin 8%) in Europe, Middle East and Africa. Qutenza® is approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain (PNP).
Grünenthal will hold exclusive rights for Qutenza® in all 28 European Union member states, Switzerland, Iceland, Norway and Lichtenstein, and other East European, Middle East and African countries.
The high-dose capsaicin (8%) containing dermal patch Qutenza® (Rx) was developed by NeurogesX and licensed to Astellas Pharma Europe in 2009. The original EMA approval for Qutenza® was obtained in 2009 for the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain excluding diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN). Following a label extension in 2015, DPN is now included, thus broadening the Qutenza® label to all peripheral neuropathic pain subgroups.
Grünenthal, a privately owned mid-cap pharmaceutical company is a recognized specialist in pain and offers a wide range of products and support for physicians and patients. Gabriel Baertschi, CEO Grünenthal said: "We have a clear strategy to further build our pain portfolio through in-house innovation and external acquisition. Adding Qutenza® is a perfect strategic fit and will broaden the options available to physicians, especially in localized neuropathic pain - an area of remaining high unmet need for patients."
Dott. Alberto Grua, member of the Corporate Executive Board, CCO Europe, North America and Global Operations at Grünenthal added: "Grünenthal is one of the leading companies in the field of pain in Europe. With our products we have built up a high level of expertise in neuropathic pain which will allow us to market Qutenza® successfully".
Yukio Matsui, President of Operations, Astellas Pharma Europe commented, "This agreement is a part of our work toward higher quality and efficiency of operations through optimization of resources and will ultimately provide hope for more patients around the world. Grünenthal has a long track record in pain and will be well placed to provide Qutenza® to more patients who stand to benefit. We are looking forward to working closely with Grünenthal to ensure smooth continuation of product supply."
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