Meda gets rights to first combo of ketoprofen and omeprazole

Sweden's Meda and Ethypharm, a French development company, have signed an exclusive 15-year agreement for an innovative combination product within the pain and inflammation therapy area. The product consists of these well-recognized substances: omeprazole (a proton pump inhibitor) and ketoprofen (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory). By using this novel product, patients can avoid serious gastrointestinal problems, a common NSAID side effect, says Meda, as well as improved compliance through once-daily presentation.

The deal includes most European markets, where Germany, Spain and the UK are the largest. An increase in Europe's aging population parallels an increase in rheumatic diseases, so the new product's potential is high, says the firm.

A product registration application has been submitted. Meda is paying 2.0 million euros ($2.7 million) after signing for the marketing rights, and up to a further 5.0 million euros in milestones when the regulatory authorities approve registration and when specified sales levels are reached. No additional payments will be made after sales reach 55.0 million euros.