LONDON, UK, 1 December, 2014 - Skyepharma PLC (LSE SKP), the expert oral and inhalation drug development company, today announces that the 120-puff treatment version in strengths of 50/5µg and 125/5µg for a 30-day supply of flutiform® has been launched in Japan by its licensing partner, Kyorin Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd. (“Kyorin”).
flutiform® was first launched in Japan in November 2013 by Kyorin in a 56-puff treatment version in strengths of 50/5µg and 125/5µg for a 14-day supply complying with national requirements generally applicable to novel products which mandate that such products be made available in a maximum 14-day presentation for the first 12 months following launch.
According to IMS Health, the ICS/LABA combination market in Japan was worth approximately JPY 93 billion (approximately £500 million at current exchange rates) in the 12 months ended 30 June 2014.
Under its agreement with Kyorin, Skyepharma is responsible for arranging the manufacture and supply of flutiform®. Skyepharma is entitled to high-mid single digit royalties on net sales of all versions of the product as well as revenues on product supply.
Peter Grant, Chief Executive Officer of Skyepharma, commented:
“The launch of the 120-puff version of flutiform by Kyorin follows the success of the 56-puff version and now means that flutiform has been launched in Japan in all versions. Kyorin’s focused and experienced sales force has made excellent progress with flutiform in the first 12 months since launch and we look forward to further progress following the launch of the additional versions.”
Mitsutomo Miyashita, President of Kyorin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. commented:
“Now that the limitation for prescription duration has been lifted, we are launching the 120-puff version of flutiform for 30-day supplies. We strongly believe that the launch of the new version of flutiform will encourage the rapid penetration of the drug into the Japanese market and greatly contribute to taking control of asthma in patients.”
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For further information please contact:
Skyepharma PLC
Peter Grant, Chief Executive Officer
Andrew Derodra, Chief Financial Officer
+44 (0)20 7881 0524
Jonathan Birt, Investor and Media Relations
+44 (0)7860 361746
N+1 Singer
Shaun Dobson/Gillian Martin/Jen Boorer
+44 (0)20 7496 3000
FTI Consulting
Julia Phillips/Rob Winder/Natalie Garland-Collins
+44 (0)20 3727 1000
About flutiform®
flutiform® combines fluticasone propionate (fluticasone), an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS), and formoterol fumarate (formoterol), a long-acting ß2-agonist (LABA) in a single aerosol inhaler incorporating Skyepharma’s proprietary SkyeDry™ technology. In Japan, flutiform® is indicated for the regular treatment of bronchial asthma in patients aged 16 years and over (50/5µg and 125/5µg strengths) whose symptoms are not adequately controlled on an ICS and an as-required inhaled short-acting ß2-agonist (SABA), and in those patients who are already receiving treatment with both an ICS and LABA.
About Skyepharma
Skyepharma combines proven scientific expertise with validated proprietary drug delivery technologies to develop innovative oral and inhalation pharmaceutical products. The Group is eligible for revenues from 16 approved products in the areas of inhalation, oral, topical and injectable drug delivery as well as generating income from the development of further products and technology licenses. The products developed by the Group are marketed throughout the world by big pharma as well as speciality pharmaceutical companies. For more information, visit www.skyepharma.com
About Kyorin
The Kyorin Group which is headquartered in Japan focuses on respiratory medicine, otolaryngology, and urology. Key products include Kipres®, for treating bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis; Mucodyne®, a mucoregulant; Pentasa®, for treating ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease; and Uritos®, for treating overactive bladder. For more information see www.kyorin-pharm.co.jp/
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