STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Sept. 12, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Meda has signed a long-term license agreement with Vivus for the exclusive marketing rights of MUSE(R) (alprostadil) in Europe. VIVUS markets MUSE in the U.S. and is the originator of the product. Meda has also entered into an agreement with Abbott Laboratories who currently markets MUSE in Europe. Meda can therefore take over the marketing responsibilities as of September 2002.
MUSE - approved for marketing in 48 countries throughout the world- is a non-injectable, local delivery system for treating erectile dysfunction (ED), commonly called impotence. MUSE is patent protected and consists of a micro suppository of alprostadil, chemically identical to the naturally occurring eicosanoid prostaglandin (PGE1), for delivery to the male urethra.
The prevalence of ED increases with age and can be affected by a variety of factors such as diabetes, cardio-vascular diseases, medications, and lifestyle. While men have demonstrated a preference for oral medications for the treatment of ED, the oral route is not effective or appropriate for all patients.
Unlike oral therapies, MUSE works locally by delivering alprostadil (PGE1) directly to the urethral lining for absorption into the target organ. This method of administrating alprostadil would result in fewer interactions with other medications and less systemic side effects. MUSE has been demonstrated to be safe and effective in men with ED of diverse etiologies, including vascular disease, diabetes, surgery/trauma, and other organic causes.
In Europe, MUSE generates annual sales of approximately 50 MSEK, a revenue stream that Meda will receive as of September 2002. The majority of current sales come from the UK, Germany and the Nordic region (trademark Bondil(R)). The total European market for ED products is estimated to be worth 4 000 MSEK.
"This European marketing agreement with VIVUS is an important opportunity for Meda and fits well with our strategy. MUSE fills a significant medical need in the ED market, both to patients that fail oral therapy and as a first line therapy for severe ED patients. The product will be marketed to urology specialists as a complementary to oral therapy, an area dominated by Viagra," said Anders Lonner, CEO of Meda.
"We are very pleased to have Meda as our new marketing partner for MUSE in Europe. Meda's dedication and experienced management will provide the support necessary to solidify MUSE's market position in Europe," said Terry Nida, Vice President of Worldwide Marketing and Corporate Development at VIVUS, Inc.
For further information, please contact:
Meda Anders Larnholt, Investor Relations phone. +46 8 630 19 00 VIVUS Inc. Richard Walliser, Chief Financial Officer phone. +1650-934-5264
Meda AB (publ) is the Swedish Specialty Pharmaceutical Company. Meda markets prescription and over-the-counter drugs and medical equipment. Meda is listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange.
VIVUS, Inc. (Nasdaq:VVUS) is a pharmaceutical company engaged in the development of innovative therapies for the treatment of quality-of-life disorders in men and women, with a focus on sexual dysfunction. Current development programs target Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD), Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and Premature Ejaculation (PE). The Company developed and markets in the U.S. MUSE(R) and ACTIS(R), two innovations in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
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