Microsoft word - 2012 04 02 pressrel_esomeprazole_e.doc

Acino adds blockbuster esomeprazole to its product
portfolio

Basle, April 2, 2012, 07.00 hrs — Shortly after having acquired Cephalon/Mepha’s in-
ternational business in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Latin America, Acino continues its expansion in global emerging markets under its «Acino Switzerland» brand by suc- cessfully in-licensing the blockbuster drug esomeprazole. The licensing agreements in- clude esomeprazole 20 mg and 40 mg MUPS (Multiple Unit Particulate Systems) tablets, and esomeprazole 40 mg lyophilized powder for injection. The esomeprazole MUPS tab- lets are being produced at Acino’s manufacturing site in Liesberg (Canton Baselland, Esomeprazole (original product Nexium® from AstraZeneca), a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), is being used in the treatment of indications such as dyspepsia, peptic ulcer dis- ease (PUD), gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GORD/GERD) and Zollinger-Ellison syn- drome. The product (oral and parenteral presentations) generated worldwide annual sales of over USD 8.7 billion (MAT 06/2011) and is among the top five drugs in several of Through this in-licensing agreement Acino will further strengthen its position in the gastro- intestinal therapeutic area. The company is anticipating a good match with its strong fran- chise with the branded product Gasec® (omeprazole), which Mepha built up over the years in different international markets. In addition, Acino successfully completed the in- licensing of another PPI, pantoprazole 40 mg, for injection. Dr. Manuel Heim, Head of Global Marketing, said: “We consider this an excellent fit to support our own-brand marketing strategy of providing Swiss quality products with ad- vanced and refined application technologies such as MUPS, ensuring effective relief to patients. We expect to add more products to our existing portfolio with a focus on the therapeutic areas pain, oncology, urology, antiinfectives, cardiovascular disease, gastro- Ruud van Anraat, Chief Commercial Officer, added: “ Acino - with its Swiss base, interna- tional market presence, and high quality standards - will be ideally placed to capitalize on the potential of these products in up and coming markets. It underscores our dedication and focus, making «Acino Switzerland» a preferred partner in emerging markets with the aim to make quality medicine accessible for the benefit of the patient.” Erlenstrasse 1 CH-4058 Basle Phone +41 61 338 60 00 Fax Acino – Delivering Health
Acino (SIX: ACIN), a Swiss-based pharmaceutical company, develops, manufactures and interna- tionally markets well-proven and innovative pharmaceuticals in novel drug delivery forms. Acino is a leader in advanced drug delivery technologies with a focus on modified release oral forms, oral dispersible forms, transdermal systems and extended release parenterals, for which it also holds patents. As a partner of pharmaceutical companies worldwide, Acino supplies finished in-house developed products and/or provides customized one-stop solutions from product development and registration to contract manufacturing, packaging and logistics. Under the brand “Acino Switzer- land”, Acino markets Swiss-quality medicines in up and coming economies. The Acino Group is headquartered in Basle, at present has about 870 employees (including staff members from Mepha) and generated annual revenues of EUR 135 million in 2011.
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Erlenstrasse 1 CH-4058 Basle Phone +41 61 338 60 00 Fax

Source: http://www.acino-pharma.com/html/uploads/media/ACIN_PressRel_E_Esomeprazole_3d29sdAW.pdf