Spain's Almirall launches Sativex and gets OK for Actikerall in Germany

Spain’s largest pharmaceutical firm, Almirall (ALM: MC) yesterday announced the German  launch of cannabis-based drug Sativex for the treatment of spasticity in multiple sclerosis (MS) and the approval of Actikerall (LAS1005) for the treatment of hyperkeratotic actinic keratosis (grade I/II) in adult patients, which will be launched on July 15.

This represents a step forward for Almirall to reinforce its presence in European markets and is also an important milestone in its offering society innovative medicines to fulfil unmet medical needs, the Spanish company said. Sativex is licensed from the UK’s GW Pharmaceuticals (AIM: GWP) under an agreement signed in 2005, and has already been introduced in Spain, as well as other markets by other GW partners.

“Being a company based on innovation and committed to health, Almirall aims to provide innovative solutions for patients. With the launch of Sativex we provide a novel alternative to patients who suffer from spasticity in MS. Also, with the launch of Actikerall we will bring a new topical solution for non-melanoma skin cancer sufferers”, said Farid Taha, who was just this month appointed managing director, Almirall, Germany, Austria and Switzerland (The Pharma Letter July 4).