Valeo to commercialize Novartis asthma therapies VALEO PHARMA INC. ENTERS INTO AN AGREEMENT FOR ENERZAIR BREEZHALER AND ATECTURA BREEZHALER IN CANADA
Valeo Pharma Inc. has entered into a commercialization and supply agreement with Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. for the Canadian commercialization by Valeo of two asthma therapies, Enerzair Breezhaler (indacaterol (as acetate), glycopyrronium (as bromide) and mometasone furoate) and Atectura Breezhaler (indacaterol (as acetate) and mometasone furoate).
Under the Agreement, Valeo will be responsible for medical and commercial activities for Enerzairtrademark Breezhalertrademark and Atecturatrademark Breezhalertrademark for an initial 8 year period.
At present, almost 4 million Canadians are living with asthma1, a serious health issue affecting all age groups. Patients with severe asthma live in fear of potential exacerbations which remain highly prevalent even with today's most advanced therapies. Asthma related exacerbations are concerning because of their associated mortality burden and also because of the increased risk of side effects from the use of systemic corticosteroids. Furthermore, there is growing evidence highlighting the lack of symptom control currently achieved in asthma. 39%5 of patients remain uncontrolled, despite available dual LABA/ICS medications, primarily due to low adherence, treatment misuse and poor inhaler technique. There is an urgent need to add effective maintenance treatment options to more efficiently address symptoms as well as asthma related long-term complications and mortality.
"We are extremely pleased to be partnering with Novartis to launch these two asthma drugs in the coming weeks. Commercializing Enerzairtrademark Breezhalertrademark and Atecturatrademark Breezhalertrademark will immediately position Valeo as one of the leading Canadian respiratory companies providing first in-class and best in-class asthma therapies. The Canadian asthma maintenance market exceeds $700M annually," said Steve Saviuk, CEO of Valeo. "This partnership is perfectly aligned with Valeo's vision and mission of building a Canadian anchor pharmaceutical company by driving therapeutic innovation to patients in need. We look forward to building a long and mutually beneficial relationship with Novartis that will help both companies fulfill their respective missions."
"This agreement with Valeo Pharma fits with our overall strategy to provide innovative medicines that have the potential to improve health outcomes," said Andrea Marazzi, Head, Country Pharma Organization, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. "Valeo's commitment and focus to bring Enerzairtrademark Breezhalertrademark and Atecturatrademark Breezhalertrademark to Canadians, combined with our strong respiratory experience, brings a solution that will help make asthma control a more attainable goal for some Canadians."
Commenting on this commercial agreement with Novartis, Frederic Fasano, Valeo's recently appointed President and COO said, "Enerzairtrademark Breezhalertrademark and Atecturatrademark Breezhalertrademark are both benefitting from an extensive phase III clinical trial program including more than 7,500 asthma patients. The efficacy of both treatments on symptoms, lung function and rate of exacerbations have been demonstrated and this will provide Canadian patients with a significant improvement over current standards of care." He added, "This significant addition to our expanding product portfolio is key to achieving our growth objectives. It will provide the basis for the upscaling of our organization and set the stage for future international expansion."