Merz Pharma GmbH & Co. KGaA And Teijin Limited Announce Partnership To Bring Xeomin (Incobotulinumtoxina) To Japan

FRANKFURT, Germany & TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Merz, a global leader in aesthetics and neurotoxins, and Teijin Limited, a technology-driven global group operating in the fields of materials, healthcare, and IT businesses, announced today that they have entered into a strategic license and co-development agreement for the commercialization of Xeomin^® (incobotulinumtoxinA) for Japan.

“We believe Xeomin^® will become the core product of the Teijin Group’s healthcare business, which aims to provide a total solution for stroke patients with the synergistic effects of our stroke related products and pipeline such as rehabilitation devices and regenerative medical products, “ said Akihisa Nabeshima, President, Teijin Pharma Limited. “We are extremely pleased to be establishing a partnership with Merz, whose long, successful history in neurotoxins focus shows a good strategic fit with our own.“

“In Teijin, Merz has found an exceptionally strong partner whose strength in both neurology and the rehabilitation space demonstrates an excellent strategic fit with Merz’s neurotoxin focus,” said Philip Burchard, CEO – Merz. “We are very pleased to enter this collaboration with Teijin in this highly important market, which we hope will enable us to bring neurotoxin therapy to additional patients and fulfill a key need in Japan.”

Xeomin^® (incobotulinumtoxinA) was approved for use in the treatment of patients with dystonia and blepharospasm by the European regulatory authorities in 2005 and by the U.S. FDA in 2010. The product has been approved for post-stroke spasticity of the upper limb in Europe since 2009, with FDA approval for the adult upper limb spasticity indication granted in 2015. Xeomin^® (incobotulinumtoxinA) is marketed in 50 countries around the world. Merz uses state-of-the-art technology in its dedicated, FDA-approved facility in Dessau, Germany, meeting the highest international standards for biologic manufacturing.

Under the terms of the agreement, Merz will receive an upfront payment in addition to milestones and royalties. Merz is currently sponsoring two clinical trials in Japan covering spasticity of both upper and lower limbs, and the upper limb trial is expected to be completed in 2018. Teijin Pharma Limited, the core company of Teijin Group’s healthcare business will prepare and file the marketing approval application. Upon the marketing approval of Xeomin^® (incobotulinumtoxinA), Merz will be responsible for the product manufacturing and supply and Teijin Pharma will manage commercial activities in Japan.

“Merz has a long history of successful partnerships both in Japan and around the world, and we continue to actively seek opportunities to collaborate with well-matched strategic partners such as Teijin,” said Jörg Bergler, Global Head of Corporate Development for Merz. “Teijin Pharma is a growing player within rehabilitation in Japan, and has shown a strong track record of product maximization and market expansion in their Pharmaceutical business, and Merz looks forward to a productive and successful relationship with them for many years to come.”

About Merz

With approximately 3,000 employees and 34 subsidiaries, Merz is a leading global provider in the fields of Aesthetics and Neurotoxins. Privately held for more than 100 years, the company is distinguished by its in-house research and development, solid financial strength and continuous growth. In addition to its unique portfolio of products for minimally invasive and non-invasive skin rejuvenation and tightening, Merz also develops neurotoxin therapy to treat neurologically induced movement disorders. OTC medicines, dietary supplements and skincare products round off the offerings from the company, which is headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany. In fiscal year 2015/16, the Merz Pharma Group generated revenue of EUR 1,092.9 million. More information is available at www.merz.com.

About the Teijin Group

Teijin (TSE: 3401) is a technology-driven global group offering advanced solutions in the areas of environmental value; safety, security and disaster mitigation; and demographic change and increased health consciousness. Its main fields of operation are high-performance fibers such as aramid, carbon fibers & composites, healthcare, films, resin & plastic processing, polyester fibers, products converting and IT. The group has some 170 companies and around 19,000 employees spread out over 20 countries worldwide. It posted consolidated sales of JPY741.3 billion (USD 6.5 billion) and total assets of JPY 964.1 billion (USD 8.5 billion) in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2017. Please visit www.teijin.com.