omniture

Mundipharma Establishes an Ophthalmology Business by Acquiring MSD's Portfolio of Glaucoma Products

- The portfolio consists of COSOPT®, COSOPT® Preservative-Free, SAFLUTAN®, TIMOPTIC®, TIMOPTIC XE®, TIMOPTIC® Preservative-Free, TRUSOPT® and TRUSOPT® Preservative-Free
- Territories covered include Australia, Canada, Latin America, Middle East, Africa and New Zealand.
2015-12-03 16:04 2665

SINGAPORE, Dec. 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Mundipharma Ophthalmology Products Limited today announced an agreement with MSD, known as Merck in the United States and Canada, to acquire MSD's ophthalmology portfolio for the treatment of increased ocular pressure caused by open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension, in Australia, Canada, Latin America, Middle East, Africa and New Zealand. This marks a key milestone in strengthening Mundipharma's footprint and ongoing investment in specialty care medicines.

The acquired portfolio consists of COSOPT®, COSOPT® Preservative-Free, SAFLUTAN®, TIMOPTIC®,  TIMOPTIC XE®, TIMOPTIC® Preservative-Free, TRUSOPT® and TRUSOPT® Preservative-Free, which cover the primary treatment methods of open-angle glaucoma. TIMOPTIC® is on the World Health Organisation's list of essential medicines, and an important first line therapy. SAFLUTAN® is a prostaglandin analogue, the most common and effective category of drugs prescribed for glaucoma; while COSOPT®, SAFLUTAN® and TRUSOPT® all provide important therapies for patients requiring subsequent treatment.

"For Mundipharma, this acquisition is a strategic entry to the global ophthalmology sector with a strong base of proven and trusted products," said Raman Singh, President of Mundipharma Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa. "Mundipharma will invest our capabilities, leverage Merck's successful clinical history and continue the legacy of trust by providing high quality solutions that address critical patient needs and expand access to these important medications in the regions which Mundipharma covers."

"We are pleased to have entered this agreement with Mundipharma to enable continued access for patients to these medicines," said Muna Bhanji, President, Hospital and Specialty Care, MSD. "This transaction completes the divestiture of MSD's global ophthalmology business as we continue to sharpen our focus in core markets and therapeutic areas and advance our innovative pipeline."

Glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness worldwide. It is estimated that 4.5 million persons globally are blind due to glaucoma[1] and that this number will rise to 11.2 million by 2020[2]. Due to the silent progression of the disease -- at least in its early stages -- up to 50% of affected persons in the developed countries are not even aware of having glaucoma[3]. This number may rise to 90% in underdeveloped parts of the world.

The most common types of adult-onset glaucoma are Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) -- a form most frequently encountered in patients of Caucasian and African ancestry -- and Angle-Closure Glaucoma (ACG), which is the more common in patients of Asian ancestry.

There is no cure for glaucoma as yet, and vision loss is irreversible. However medication or surgery can halt or slow-down any further vision loss. Therefore early detection and treatment is essential to limiting visual impairment and preventing the progression towards severe visual handicap or blindness.

®: COSOPT®, SAFLUTAN®, TIMOPTIC®, TIMOPTIC XE®, and TRUSOPT® are Registered Trademarks.

About Mundipharma

Mundipharma's independent associated companies are privately owned entities covering the world's pharmaceutical markets. Mundipharma is a prime example of a company that consistently delivers high quality products while standing by the values that represent the company. Our mission is to alleviate the suffering of patients with cancer and non-cancer pain and to substantially improve their quality of life. Mundipharma is dedicated to bringing to patients with severe and debilitating diseases the benefit of novel treatment options in fields such as severe pain, oncology, respiratory disease rheumatoid arthritis, antiseptics and laxatives.

For more information please visit: www.mundipharma.com.sg.

For further information please contact:

Stephenie Vasko
Communications Director - Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa
PH +65-6303-9732
stephenie.vasko@mundipharma.com.sg 
www.mundipharma.com.sg

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Source: Mundipharma
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