Neuraxpharm Italy, a subsidiary of the Neuraxpharm Group, leading European specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) disorders, today announces the acquisition of the well-established local prescription brand Ansiolin® (diazepam) from global pharmaceutical company Almirall.
The agreement between Neuraxpharm Italy and Almirall includes the rights to commercialize Ansiolin®’s two marketed presentations, Ansiolin® 5 mg film-coated tablets and Ansiolin® 5 mg/ml oral drops solution, in Italy. This will further expand Neuraxpharm’s presence as a CNS specialist in the fourth biggest European country.
Ansiolin® (diazepam) is a benzodiazepine indicated to treat anxiety and other somatic or psychiatric conditions associated to anxiety syndrome, while it is also indicated for insomnia. The brand is well-known and mostly prescribed by GP’s, psychiatrists and CNS specialists for the management of anxiety and insomnia, two of the most common mental health disorders affecting 2.2 million (1) and 4.5 million (2) people in Italy respectively.
Neuraxpharm Italy’s established portfolio of proprietary CNS products in Italy comprise both branded prescription medicines and Consumer Healthcare products. Lead products include the branded Ezemantis® (memantine) for the treatment of severe dementia and Epitiram® (levetiracetam) for epilepsy.
Commenting on the acquisition, Dr. Jörg-Thomas Dierks, CEO of Neuraxpharm, said: “This acquisition represents an excellent opportunity to further consolidate our Italian presence and expand our product portfolio in Italy. The established brand with its large geographic presence in Italy is well aligned with Neuraxpharm’s strategy to offer a broad range of therapeutic options and to become the truly leading CNS pharmaceutical player in Europe.”
“We are delighted to bring this brand with strong local heritage into the Neuraxpharm portfolio in Italy” comments Neuraxpharm’s Head of Southern Region, Javier Mercadé.
Acquired by Neuraxpharm in June 2017, Neuraxpharm Italy has been building its position as a CNS specialist offering branded medicines and nutraceuticals in the country which represents the third largest CNS market in Europe and is valued at over EUR 3,480m (3).
The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
References
(1) Source: ISTAT (Italian Institute of Statistic), 2018 Report
(2) Source: European insomnia guideline, 2017
(3) Source: IQVIA