GSK in accord with Kaken on Zyloric

Anglo-US drug major GlaxoSmithKline and Kaken Pharmaceutical of Japanhave entered into an agreement to co-promote the former's hyperuricemia treatment Zyloric (allopurinol) from January 2003.

Under the terms of the deal, GSK will utilize Kaken's sales representatives, who will introduce the product to doctors as part of their routine, in exchange for which GSK will pay the Japanese firm an undisclosed share of the anticipated increased sales. Kaken also hopes to broaden its own product line through the deal.

GSK first released Zyloric in Japan during 1969, and it is estimated that some 1 million patients in the country use the medication every year, reports Nikkei Net.