Hikma to market new Easyhaler product in MENA

Jordan-based Hikma Pharmaceuticals (LSE: HIK) has signed an exclusive licensing and distribution agreement for the new Easyhaler combination product, a dry powder inhaler (DPI) of budesonide and formoterol, for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), from Finnish drugmaker Orion Corp (Nasdaq OMX: ORNAV).

Under the agreement, generic drugmaker Hikma has the exclusive rights to register, distribute, market and sell the product in all of its Middle East and North Africa (MENA) markets, leveraging Hikma’s strong local presence, sales and marketing capabilities and regulatory expertise. No financial terms of the transaction were disclosed. Hikma’s shares edged up 0.9% to 1,954.50 pence by early afternoon trading, while Orion stock was up 0.75% at 45.83 euros.

Mazen Darwazah, vice chairman and chief executive of MENA and Emerging Markets, said: “We are pleased to be adding this important product to our respiratory pipeline and we hope this collaboration with Orion will be the beginning of a long partnership for its Easyhaler device products in the MENA region. Global partnerships are an integral part of our strategy to grow our portfolio in key therapeutic areas and improve patients’ access to high‐quality medicines.”