Novartis and Mundipharma, have signed an agreement for the marketing, sales and distribution of well-known pain medicine brands Voltaren (diclofenac sodium) and Cataflam (diclofenac potassium) in Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines.
Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain, swelling (inflammation), and joint stiffness caused by arthritis. It is available as a tablet, injectable and liquid capsule.
"These medicines strategically complement our existing portfolio very well. We are now able to help provide relief for people suffering across the full pain spectrum -- from mild to moderate to severe," Mundipharma Southeast Asia GM, Suresh Pragasam, said.
"Our partnership with Mundipharma is aligned with our mission to improve patients' quality of life and bend the curve of patient outcomes," said Alexis Serlin, Head of Asia Cluster, Novartis AG. "The Novartis commitment to enhance healthcare providers and institutions' access to effective medicines will be complemented by Mundipharma's core strengths in anesthesia and surgicals in Southeast Asia."
Novartis will retain all international development responsibility, as well as clinical development activities. The company will also continue to manufacture and supply Voltaren and Cataflam for commercial use.