Eisai opens for business in the Netherlands, with Zonegran the first product

Eisai Europe, a subsidiary of Japanese drug major Eisai (TYO: 4532), has set up a sales and marketing operation in its wholly owned subsidiary in the Netherlands based in Amsterdam. The first Eisai product on the Dutch market is the epilepsy treatment Zonegran (zonisamide).

Commenting on the opening of the new subsidiary, Eisai Netherlands managing director Gert-Jan Kouseband said: "Eisai's entry into the Netherlands is aligned with the company's wider strategy of establishing a solid foundation in Europe. We currently have one product on the market and hope to have five products available in the coming months, boosting our presence in the market. This will allow Dutch patients access to treatments not previously available to them and further supports Eisai's human health care mission to satisfy unmet medical needs and contribute to the health and well being of people worldwide."

The Dutch company's initial area of focus is epilepsy and a dedicated Eisai team has already been established. Zonegran, an adjunctive treatment for adult patients with partial seizures, with or without secondary generalization, is now available. It is estimated that 100,000 Dutch people suffer from epilepsy and the availability of Zonegran in the Netherlands will provide an additional treatment option to help manage their condition. Epilepsy is a key strategic area for Eisai in Europe and the company is committed to developing and delivering highly beneficial new treatments to help improve the lives of people with epilepsy.