Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) announced that it has entered into an agreement with AstraZeneca for the over-the-counter (OTC) rights for NEXIUM (esomeprazole magnesium), a leading prescription drug currently approved to treat the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Under the terms of the agreement, Pfizer will acquire the exclusive global rights to market NEXIUM for the approved over-the-counter indications in the United States, Europe and the rest of the world. Under the agreement, Pfizer will make an upfront payment of $250 million to AstraZeneca, and AstraZeneca is eligible to receive milestone and royalty payments based on product launches and sales.
NEXIUM, a Proton Pump Inhibitor was launched by AstraZeneca in Europe in 2000 and the U.S. in 2001. AstraZeneca will continue to manufacture and market the prescription product, as well as supply Pfizer with the OTC product upon the receipt of regulatory approval. A Marketing Authorisation Application for OTC NEXIUM in a 20mg tablet form was filed with the European Medicines Agency in June 2012. A New Drug Application filing for OTC NEXIUM in the U.S. in 20mg delayed release capsules is targeted for the first half of 2013. If approved, Pfizer anticipates commercializing this product in the U.S. beginning in 2014 with launches in other markets to follow.
In addition, both companies are exploring the potential for a strategic partnership that could include similar agreements for other AstraZeneca prescription brands for which OTC versions might be appropriate. The companies have signed an agreement giving Pfizer a right of first refusal regarding OTC rights for Rhinocort Aqua, a pump spray containing the glucocorticosteroid budesonide, with a local anti-inflammatory effect, for the treatment of non-infectious rhinitis (such as hay fever and house dust mite allergy).
Pfizer Consumer Healthcare President Paul Sturman said, "NEXIUM is one of the most recognized and respected products in its class with tremendous brand equity and loyalty. We are proud to be AstraZeneca's partner of choice for OTC NEXIUM. By working with AstraZeneca to offer upon regulatory approval an over-the-counter version of NEXIUM - a brand people know and trust - we are taking another crucial step to empower consumers by providing convenient access to important healthcare products."
"Pfizer is continuing to enhance the value of our Consumer Healthcare business," stated Ian Read, Pfizer's chairman and chief executive officer. "Through its strong connection to our core biopharmaceutical business and to emerging markets and pharmacy customers worldwide, Pfizer Consumer Healthcare will have the opportunity to help more consumers better manage their health, while extending the value of certain important pharmaceutical brands."
Tony Zook Executive Vice President of AstraZeneca's Global Commercial Organisation said, "AstraZeneca has long been a leader in the gastrointestinal sector, and we believe that an OTC version of NEXIUM will complement this globally successful prescription medicine and help bring relief to more patients around the world. We’re pleased to work with Pfizer Consumer Healthcare and believe their sales and marketing of consumer health products makes them the optimal partner to commercialise OTC NEXIUM globally. This agreement will help AstraZeneca realize the substantial, long-term value of this brand and potentially other brands in our portfolio."
About Pfizer
At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to improve health and well-being at every stage of life. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacturing of medicines for people and animals. Our diversified global health care portfolio includes human and animal biologic and small molecule medicines and vaccines, as well as nutritional products and many of the world’s best- known consumer products. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as the world's leading biopharmaceutical company, we also collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For more than 150 years, Pfizer has worked to make a difference for all who rely on us.
About AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business with a primary focus on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines for gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, neuroscience, respiratory and inflammation, oncology and infectious disease. AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide.