Nycomed and Merck & Co Announce Commercialization Agreements in Europe and Canada

Nycomed and Merck & Co have entered into a co-promotion agreement for Canada and certain European countries for the commercialization of Daxas (roflumilast), an investigational once-daily tablet for patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

In addition, the two companies have signed an exclusive distribution agreement for the commercialization of the drug in the UK.

"This agreement with Nycomed for a late-stage PDE4 inhibitor candidate represents a strong strategic fit for Merck," said Kevin Ali, senior VP and GM Bone, Respiratory, Immunology and Dermatology franchise at Merck & Co.

Under the terms of the agreement, the former will receive an undisclosed upfront fee from the latter and is eligible for certain payments based on defined regulatory and commercialization milestones for Daxas. If approved by the relevant regulatory authorities, both companies will co-promote the drug in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Canada. The former will manufacture and distribute the finished product in all countries covered by the co-promotion agreement.

In the UK, Merck will have exclusive commercialization rights and Nycomed will supply finished product and has retained a co-promotion option.