News briefs: Grunenthal adds to portfolio; Ajinomoto to buy Althea; Alexion's Soliris OKed in Canada

Family-owned German drugmaker Grunenthal has concluded an exclusive license, distribution and supply agreement with Ethypharm, a French company that is specialized in the development of innovative formulation technologies.

The agreement allows the company to commercialize Ethypharm's fentanyl sublingual tablets for the treatment of breakthrough cancer pain in selected European markets. With the in-licensing of the product, the Grunenthal can now offer patients an additional pain treatment option and establishes a strategic extension to its own pain product portfolio. Ethypharm's sublingual tablet achieves rapid onset of analgesia by incorporating an innovative, patented novel drug delivery technology which enhances fentanyl absorption and facilitates rapid systemic exposure to the analgesic.

Ajinomoto to gain entry into contract development and manufacturing through Althea