Cephalon Announces Marketing and Distribution Agreement For ACTIQ® in Australia and New Zealand

June 12th 2001

 

WEST CHESTER, Pa., June 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Cephalon, Inc. (Nasdaq: CEPH), an international biopharmaceutical company, announced today that it has granted rights to market, sell and distribute ACTIQ^® (oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate) to Orphan Australia for Australia and New Zealand. Cephalon added ACTIQ to its product portfolio when it acquired Anesta Corporation in October 2000. ACTIQ is marketed in the United States by Cephalon and in the United Kingdom through Elan Pharma Ltd.

ACTIQ is currently awaiting approval in other major European markets via the European Mutual Recognition procedure.

ACTIQ, available via Cephalon's patented oral transmucosal drug delivery system (OTS)^TM, is the first drug to be indicated specifically for breakthrough cancer pain and holds promise in treating other chronic pain conditions. ACTIQ is indicated for the management of breakthrough cancer pain in patients who are already receiving and who are tolerant to opioid therapy for their underlying persistent cancer pain. The most common side effects observed by patients using ACTIQ are somnolence, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.

"Cephalon is committed to maximizing ACTIQ's potential in the treatment of breakthrough cancer pain and beyond," said Frank Baldino, Jr., Ph.D., chairman and CEO of Cephalon. "The agreement with Orphan Australia is in line with our goal of building the global ACTIQ franchise through a dedicated network of effective partnerships. There are now 22 international territories for which we have partnerships dedicated to the launch of ACTIQ."

"ACTIQ is an important drug for Australia and New Zealand," said Alastair Young, managing director of Orphan Australia. "It offers relief to patients managing breakthrough cancer pain and offers hope to those suffering from other chronic pain conditions. Orphan Australia is well positioned to provide the necessary experience in medical education, product launch and promotional activities to successfully launch ACTIQ in this territory."

Orphan Australia, a privately owned pharmaceutical company based in Melbourne, specializes in the development, marketing and distribution of products typically used by specialists to treat serious and/or life threatening disorders. Orphan Australia is part of an international network of Orphan pharmaceutical companies.

Cephalon, Inc., headquartered in West Chester, Pennsylvania, is an international biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development and marketing of products for sleep and neurological disorders, cancer and pain