http://www.immediapress.it I comunicati stampa di Immediapress en info@immediapress.it (Informazioni) info@immediapress.it (Info tecniche) Salute e Benessere/Healthcare, Altro/Miscellaneous, chimica e farmacia / Chemistry and Pharmacy, http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=61866 global@prnewswire.co.uk (Sirtex Medical Limited)
The start of SARAH, a new randomized controlled trial to directly compare the effectiveness of radioembolization with yttrium-90 resin microspheres (SIR-Spheres® microspheres; Sirtex Medical Limited, Australia) versus sorafenib (Nexavar®, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Germany), a systemic therapy that is the current standard of care for patients with non-surgical advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), was announced today by the principal investigator, Professor Valérie Vilgrain MD, PhD, Department of Radiology, Beaujon Hospital, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Clichy and Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, France.

SARAH (SorAfenib versus Radioembolization in Advanced Hepatocellular carcinoma)is a Phase III multi-centre prospective randomized open-labelled trial, which aims to recruit 400 patients in France with advanced HCC (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage C) with or without portal vein thrombosis and no extrahepatic spread, who are ineligible for surgical resection, liver transplantation or radiofrequency ablation; or whose disease has progressed or recurred after previous therapies.[1]

The primary goal of the study will be to assess if radioembolization with yttrium-90 resin microspheres provides an increased survival benefit compared to sorafenib in patients with advanced HCC.

Professor Vilgrain said: "Around 20 specialist cancer centres throughout France will be involved in this trial. SIR-Spheres microspheres were selected for the test arm of this collaborative trial, which is being promoted by the 'Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris'."

In patients with advanced HCC, sorafenib is now the standard treatment. Its use is associated with an increased median overall survival (from 8 to 11 months in the SHARP trial) but 80% of patients also experience treatment-related adverse events.

Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT), also known as radioembolization, is a novel treatment for inoperable liver cancer that delivers high doses of radiation directly to the site of tumours. It is a minimally-invasive treatment, in which millions of radioactive SIR-Spheres microspheres (diameter between 20-60 microns) are infused via a catheter into the liver, where they selectively target liver tumours with a dose of internal radiation up to 40 times higher than conventional radiotherapy, while sparing healthy tissue. There is a growing interest in radioembolization using yttrium-90 resin microspheres in this patient population, based on a substantial number of open-label single-group studies as well as a large multi-centre European analysis[2] of the long-term outcomes related to survival and safety of radioembolization using SIR-Spheres microspheres in patients with inoperable HCC. In 13 open-label single-group studies totalizing 400 patients with advanced HCC, the combined estimation of the median overall survival after radioembolization with yttrium-90 microspheres was of 15 months (min-max: 7 to 27 months).

SIR-Spheres microspheres are approved for use in Australia, the European Union (CE Mark), New Zealand, Switzerland, Turkey and several other countries including in Asia (e.g. India, Korean, Singapore and Hong Kong) for the treatment of unresectable liver tumours. SIR-Spheres microspheres are also indicated in the U.S. for the treatment of non-resectable metastatic liver tumours from primary colorectal cancer in combination with intra-hepatic artery chemotherapy using floxuridine.

Professor Vilgrain said that: "The SARAH trial is testing the hypothesis that radioembolization using yttrium-90 resin microspheres can increase the median overall survival with fewer side effects and/or a better quality of life in comparison with sorafenib. We hope that the results of this study will help improve the prognosis for these difficult to treat patients".

About Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurs in people whose livers have become severely damaged or cirrhotic, due to conditions such as hepatitis and alcoholism. It is one of the ten most-common cancers in the world, with nearly 750,000 cases diagnosed annually, and the third-leading cause of cancer deaths.[3] It occurs with greatest frequency in regions where viral hepatitis B or C aremost often diagnosed, such as in Asia Pacific and Southern Europe.

Hepatocellular cancer can be cured by surgery, either by resecting the diseased parts of the liver, or by transplantation with a liver from a healthy donor. These interventions, however, are inappropriate for the great majority of patients, whose survival may range from a few months to two or more years depending largely on the state of their liver at the time of their diagnosis and the extent of tumour invasion.

References:

- SorAfenib versus Radioembolization in Advanced Hepatocellular carcinoma (SARAH): http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01482442.

- Sangro B, Carpanese L, Cianni R et al on behalf of European Network on Radioembolization with yttrium-90 resin microspheres (ENRY). Survival after [90]Y resin microsphere radioembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma across BCLC stages: A European evaluation. Hepatology 2011; 54: 868-878.

- GLOBOCAN. Liver Cancer Incidence and Mortality Worldwide in 2008. http://globocan.iarc.fr/factsheets/cancers/liver.asp accessed 28 June 2011.]]> Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=61866 Salute e Benessere/Healthcare, Altro/Miscellaneous, chimica e farmacia / Chemistry and Pharmacy, http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=61863 global@prnewswire.co.uk (Stryker)
(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120202/NY46927LOGO )

The TREVO Study was designed to assess the ability of the Trevo® System to remove the blood clots that cause strokes and to restore blood flow to the brain. Revascularization was measured by an independent core lab.

The results were presented at the International Stroke Conference in New Orleans, LA by Professor Nils Wahlgren, co-Principal Investigator of the Study and Professor of Neurology at Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden. The results demonstrated high revascularization rates of 91.7% of patients. 46% of patients achieved a good outcome in just seven days and at 90 days, the good outcomes rate increased to 55%. These patients with good outcomes were functionally independent (modified Rankin score of 2 or less). A low symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage rate of 5% was also reported.

Professor Wahlgren commented: "The TREVO Study represents an important step forward in the evidence supporting the treatment of patients with moderate and severe strokes with mechanical thrombectomy devices, such as the Trevo System. The rigorous conduct of this prospective multicenter trial provides more confidence not only in patient selection, but in the successful procedural and clinical outcomes that can be achieved for these patients."

Clinical evidence remains key for wider adoption of interventional, device-based therapies for the treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke. The prospective design and rigorous conduct of the TREVO Study underscores Stryker's commitment to building robust evidence to support the adoption of important technologies like the Trevo System by physicians for their stroke patients.

About Stryker

Stryker is one of the world's leading medical technology companies and is dedicated to helping healthcare professionals perform their jobs more efficiently while enhancing patient care. The Company offers a diverse array of innovative medical technologies, including reconstructive, medical and surgical, and neurotechnology and spine products to help people lead more active and more satisfying lives. For more information about Stryker, please visit http://www.stryker.com/.

Media Contact:
Tamara Cutler
Vice President, Public Affairs
269-389-7253
tamara.cutler@stryker.com]]> Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:30:00 +0100 http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=61863 Salute e Benessere/Healthcare, Altro/Miscellaneous, chimica e farmacia / Chemistry and Pharmacy, http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=61861 global@prnewswire.co.uk (CSL Behring)
http://www.cslbehring.com/ today announced the results of a Phase I study evaluating recombinant fusion protein linking coagulation Factor IX with albumin (rIX-FP) in patients with severe hemophilia B.  Results of the study, which were presented during an oral session at the Gesellscaft fur Thrombose- und Hameostasegorschung (GTH) congress in Switzerland, showed that rIX-FP was well tolerated in all patients and lasted longer in the body, due to its prolonged half-life, compared with current Factor IX treatment options.CSL Behring, in collaboration with its parent company, http://www.csl.com.au/ (ASX:CSL), is developing rIX-FP for the prophylaxis and treatment of bleeding episodes in patients with congenital Factor IX (FIX) deficiency as part of the PROLONG-9FP clinical study program."Hemophilia B is a rare and serious bleeding disorder that prevents normal blood clotting and requires frequent infusion of Factor IX concentrates to restore clotting ability," said Elena Santagostino, M.D., Ph.D., Professor in the Medical School of Clinical and Experimental Hematology at the University of Milan/IRCCS Maggiore Hospital. "The results of this study suggest that rIX-FP is a promising investigational agent for improvement of prophylactic and on-demand treatment for patients with hemophilia B."

In this analysis, no serious adverse events (including no hypersensitivity reactions), presence of inhibitors to Factor IX, or antibodies to rIX-FP were reported.  Terminal half-life (a measure of how long the drug lasts in the body) was more than five-times longer in comparison to values associated with current recombinant FIX therapy. Incremental recovery and area under the curve (a measure of total exposure to the drug) were also significantly improved in comparison to values associated with current recombinant FIX therapy. "The development of this new recombinant investigational agent further adds to CSL Behring's long heritage of identifying innovative treatments to improve outcomes for those living with rare bleeding disorders," said Dr. Stefan Schulte, Vice President of Research and Development, CSL Behring. "We look forward to further exploring the potential of rIX-FP in patients with hemophilia B."

CSL Behring and CSL Limited have engineered the rIX-FP albumin fusion protein to extend the half-life of Factor IX while minimizing tolerability issues. In the process, recombinant albumin -- a carrier protein with an inherently long half-life -- is used as a fusion partner.  A specifically designed linker connects the recombinant factor IX and recombinant albumin as a means of optimizing the efficacy of rIX-FP.

About the Phase I Study

The Phase I study, part of the PROLONG-9FP clinical program, was a multi-center, international open-label trial evaluating rIX-FP in patients with documented severe hemophilia B (FIX < or = 2%). The primary objective was to determine the safety of rIX-FP up to 28 days following intravenous injection of 25, 50, or 75 IU/kg.  The secondary objective was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of rIX-FP.  More information about the study design can be found at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/.


About Hemophilia

Hemophilia is an inherited bleeding disorder characterized by prolonged or spontaneous bleeding, especially into the muscles and joints. In nearly all cases, it affects only males. The disease is caused by deficient or defective blood coagulation proteins known as factor VIII or IX. The most common form of the disease is hemophilia A, or classic hemophilia, in which the clotting factor VIII is either deficient or defective. Hemophilia B is characterized by deficient or defective factor IX. Hemophilia A affects approximately 1 in 5,000 to 10,000 people. Hemophilia B affects approximately 1 in 25,000 to 50,000 people. The recommended treatment for patients who are factor deficient is to treat by replacement factor therapy.


About CSL Behring

CSL Behring is a global leader in the plasma protein biotherapeutics industry. Passionate about improving the quality of patients' lives, CSL Behring manufactures and markets a range of safe and effective plasma-derived and recombinant products and related services. The company's therapies are used in the treatment of immune deficiency disorders, hereditary angioedema, haemophilia, von Willebrand disease, other bleeding disorders and inherited emphysema. Other products are used for the prevention of hemolytic diseases in the newborn, in cardiac surgery, organ transplantation and in the treatment of burns. The company also operates one of the world's largest plasma collection networks, CSL Plasma. CSL Behring is a subsidiary of CSL Limited, a biopharmaceutical company with headquarters in Melbourne, Australia. For more information, visit http://www.cslbehring.com/.  ]]> Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:45:00 +0100 http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=61861 Salute e Benessere/Healthcare, Economia e Finanza/Economy and Finance, http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=61855 global@prnewswire.co.uk (Canon Europe)
Ryoichi Bamba , President & CEO, Canon Europe said: "Canon has identified medical imaging as an important focus area for future growth, and we believe this investment and expansion of the medical business will bring new opportunities to build on our success in the digital radiography and eye care sectors to date.  We are excited about the solutions and services we can bring to the market together with Delft DI for the benefit of our customers and ultimately patient care.  We are looking forward to welcoming Delft DI into the Canon group.  "Guido Geerts, Chief Executive Officer, Delft DI, added: "We have enjoyed a good relationship with Canon as a distribution partner and we are delighted to now be extending this relationship.  We are proud to become part of the Canon Group and believe this will also bring benefits for our customers."

Following the completion of the acquisition, Delft DI will become a subsidiary of Canon Europa NV.  Yoshiyuki Masuko, Senior Director, Medical Imaging Group, will join the board of Delft DI.  Delft Imaging Systems, currently a subsidiary of Delft DI, will become a separate company, will no longer be part of Delft DI group, and is not part of this acquisition.

About Delft DI

Delft DI specialises in innovative medical PACS software solutions, digital X-ray imaging systems and system integration and service of a wide variety of customized complete solutions for radiology departments. Delft DI includes Rogan-Delft, Delft Imaging Systems* and Oldelft Benelux.

About Canon Medical Imaging Group

Canon has been an innovator in Medical applications for 72 years. Since 1940, (when Canon's first medical application was introduced - an innovative X-Ray application for tuberculosis screening), Canon has delivered lots of world's firsts in the area of radiography and eye care.

Today Canon's extensive line of digital radiography systems and eye care diagnostic equipment is used in many areas including hospital environments, medical and screening centres, as well as a wide range of terrains with portable needs. Canon is continuously working on enhancing patient care, image quality, portability, flexibility and workflow.

For further information about Canon Medical Imaging Group, and details of local distributors please visit:  http://www.canon-europe.com/medical]]> Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:30:00 +0100 http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=61855 Formazione e Lavoro/Education and Employment, Salute e Benessere/Healthcare, Economia e Finanza/Economy and Finance, ICT / ICT, Altro/Miscellaneous, http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=61851 global@prnewswire.co.uk (Sonic Foundry, Inc.)
The Universite Paris Sud is the largest campus in France with about 27,000 students and 3,500 employees. In 2011 public reform of the medical studies department doubled the number of students enrolled in courses. After an extensive search process the university implemented Mediasite in September of 2011, deciding to webcast the lectures in high quality video and to make the content available on-demand. For the university, Mediasite offered the most reliable platform with its integrated environment and ease of integration for its large 350-seat classrooms.

"We appreciated the automation of Mediasite with the templates and the presentations pulled directly from the recorders to the central server with no human help needed," said Eric Briantais Morisson, head of the university's instructional technology department.

Currently, 90 percent of the medical school and nursing courses are recorded with Mediasite. Those courses create about 400 hours of webcasts each semester.

"The advantage of the recorded presentation is that the students may interact with it at their own pace. It's a second chance for someone that hasn't caught the entire message during class. For our medical classes, it's a big help, because students receive a great deal of knowledge each class, and with Mediasite, they can go back and review," Briantais Morrison said.

According to Briantais Morrison, Mediasite has become a study platform for students, and the majority of views come two months before final exams. Between September 2010 and June 2011, there were 115,000 views from 1,500 students.As a state owned university, one of Universite Paris Sud's missions is to share scientific knowledge. In the future, the university hopes to fulfill this by expanding its Mediasite usage to include webcasting live scientific seminars to the public.

"Sonic Foundry is pleased to support The Universite Paris Sud as it responds to the student demand for lecture capture," said Rob Lipps, Executive Vice President of Sales at Sonic Foundry. "The amount of student views the webcasts receive is a testament that educational technology platforms like Mediasite can make a real impact on learning. We're honored to be the lecture capture partner for Universite Paris Sud."

About Sonic Foundry®, Inc.

Sonic Foundry (NASDAQ: SOFO, http://www.sonicfoundry.com/) is the trusted market leader for enterprise webcasting and lecture capture, providing video communication solutions for education, business and government. Powered by the patented Mediasite webcasting platform and Mediasite Events group, the company empowers people to transform the way they communicate online, using video webcasts to bridge time and distance, accelerate research and improve performance. Product and service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of Sonic Foundry, Inc. or their respective owners.

Certain statements contained in this news release regarding matters that are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements. Because such forward-looking statements include risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, uncertainties pertaining to continued market acceptance for Sonic Foundry's products, its ability to succeed in capturing significant revenues from media services and/or systems, the effect of new competitors in its market, integration of acquired business and other risk factors identified from time to time in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. ]]> Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0100 http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=61851 Cultura e Tempo Libero/Culture and Leisure, Media e Pubblicità/Media and Advertisement, Salute e Benessere/Healthcare, Economia e Finanza/Economy and Finance, Altro/Miscellaneous, http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=61837 global@prnewswire.co.uk (Ball-IT Oy)
SMG is a multimedia television and radio company broadcasting, news, Internet and related media entertainment services. The television broadcasting media consist of 11 analogue TV channels, 90 paid digital cable TV channels, and a full Internet broadcasting  TV service, along with 10 analogue and 19 digital radio services. The group also owns and operates 5 sports centres and 14 cultural art centres. Other areas of operation include newspapers, magazines, news websites and audio-visual publishing. Formed in 2001, SMG is the result of a merger between the People's Radio Station of Shanghai, East Radio Shanghai, Shanghai Television Station, and Oriental Television Station. The company employs around 5,200 people.

Ball-IT Oy is a Finnish company founded in 2005, focusing on sensor technologies, motion interpretation algorithms and all related software for the development of consumer electronics and product variants for the gaming industry and other segments. It also offers a software development kit for third parties - such as game studios - to develop the content for its motion control gaming system. Games are sold from Ball-IT's online shop, using a revenue sharing model with the game studios. Ball-IT is offering a technologically-advanced - yet very aggressively priced - motion control gaming system for PC and MAC platforms, including games and content. The Company is privately held by its founders and investors, Aura Capital and Fortel Management.

More information about the product and images are available at: http://www.bloboshop.com/pages.php?page=media&language=en

The TV game show trailer is available at:http://www.bloboshop.com/tv]]> Wed, 01 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0100 http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=61837 Salute e Benessere/Healthcare, alimentazione / Food, chimica e farmacia / Chemistry and Pharmacy, http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=61832 global@prnewswire.co.uk (Kerry Inc.)
"The new Cell Science laboratory expands our Media Enhancement Services capabilities for Cell Culture, Vaccines, Microbial Fermentation, and Diagnostics. Additionally, this new research and applications center with leading R&D expertise will advance our ability to customize cell media supplements to meet the evolving needs of the bio-pharma market globally," stated Christopher Wilcox, Kerry's Director of R&D overseeing Cell Culture & Media Supplementation technologies.

Kerry is investing more than $10 million in the expansion of the Cell Science laboratory and Kerry customer center of excellence, which includes a consumer nutrition center, extensive flavor labs and product ideation and customer collaboration suites.

"Expanding our Cell Science laboratory in the Kerry center allows us to advance our media ingredients and supplements portfolio while capturing greater synergies with Kerry's extensive analytical, research, development and applications expertise," stated Edmond Scanlon, President of Kerry's pharma and bio-pharma ingredients business. "This ultimately helps us deliver greater innovation and overall value for customers."

The expansion is expected to be complete by August 2012 and will add nearly 50 new jobs and an additional 30,000 square feet to the existing 260,000 square foot facility.

Serving the global pharmaceutical and bio-pharma markets under the trade name Sheffield Bio-Science, Kerry provides bio-pharma customers with a renowned product portfolio of media supplements including the industry-preferred HyPeps, Hy-Soy, NZ Amines, Primatones and Hy-Yests; as well as innovative new products such as Sheffield rInsulin ACF, Sheff-CHO ACF, Sheff-Vax ACF and Hy-Express systems.

Additionally, Kerry offers the pharmaceutical and nutrition markets a high quality excipient product line. including pharma-grade lactose, tablet coatings and pharma flavors, as well as custom developed innovative ingredient solutions to help customers succeed in the ever changing global marketplace.

http://www.kerry.com/ ]]> Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:35:00 +0100 http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=61832 Salute e Benessere/Healthcare, Altro/Miscellaneous, chimica e farmacia / Chemistry and Pharmacy, http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=61826 global@prnewswire.co.uk (Interventional Spine, Inc.)
Along with the Optiport(TM) access instrumentation, which provides unparalleled percutaneous access to the disc space, the Opticage(TM) is a key component of Interventional Spine's new PerX360 System(TM). The PerX360 System(TM) provides surgeons the capability of performing a completely percutaneous lumbar interbody fusion procedure via two incisions smaller than 15mm in less than 45 minutes and, if appropriate, under local anesthesia / sedation. This patent significantly strengthens Interventional Spine's portfolio, placing the Company in the forefront of lumbar fusion technologies intended to significantly reduce surgery times, hospital duration and overall patient pain.

Mr. Walter A. Cuevas, Chief Executive Officer of Interventional Spine, commented "The issuance of this key patent will further cement Interventional Spine's unique leadership position in providing spinal surgeons the right, forward thinking tools for the next decade. Working together with surgeons from two continents, our engineers have developed a revolutionary technology that, in my opinion, will transform the way the world treats lumbar pain via fusion. We are grateful to all of the contributors who were involved in the development of this system."

Interventional Spine®, Inc. is the leading innovator of percutaneous technologies in the treatment of back pain with over 12,000 patients being treated to date with the Company's products worldwide.

Interventional Spine, Inc. is a privately held company based in Irvine, California that designs, develops, and markets patented implantable devices for the spine that can be deployed via percutaneous techniques. Supported by the Company's unique product introduction systems, Interventional Spine's products provide benefits to patients, surgeons, and hospitals alike. More information on the Company and its products can be found at: http://www.i-spineinc.com/.]]> Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0100 http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=61826 Salute e Benessere/Healthcare, chimica e farmacia / Chemistry and Pharmacy, http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=61818 global@prnewswire.co.uk (Tissuemed Ltd)
Authored by Dr Paolo Ferroli, Professor Giovanni Broggi and co-workers at the Carlo Besta Institute, Milan, this is a single centre retrospective study detailing 119 patients who underwent elective neurosurgery.  All patients received TissuePatchDural to reinforce dural closure following identification of a CSF leak after routine microsuture closure.

This was a mixed population of patients including 22 assessed as being high risk for reasons including previous surgery, radiotherapy, long term corticosteroid use and hydrocephalus. Supratentorial, Infratentorial and Spinal patients were also included. Overall CSF leaks were detected in 11 of the 119 patients (9.2%), all occurring within two weeks of surgery. Patients were additionally assessed at 2 and 6 months following treatment and none were found to be suffering CSF leakage.

In the 22 patients considered high risk there was a higher (36.3%) percentage of CSF leaks, compared to a 3.1% leak rate in 97 cases without additional risk.  All leaks were treated conservatively and no patient required readmission or repeat surgery.  In conclusion, the authors commented "In our experience the product appears to be safe and no adverse reaction was evident throughout the study. Results in terms of CSF leak prevention are promising."

Dr David Mandley, Tissuemed's CEO, commented: "This latest paper, the third in 12 months published by European Neurosurgeons, represents the largest patient cohort receiving TissuePatchDural to be investigated and reported to date.  As we approach four years since the launch of TissuePatchDural I'm delighted to have such positive clinical experience and published data from the Carlo Besta Institute, a highly regarded and world renowned centre of excellence in the field of neurosurgery."

About TissuePatchDural

The technology used in TissuePatch products is based on the in-situ bonding of synthetic polymers to bodily tissues.  The products are thin, synthetic, films which bond covalently to amine groups on the surface of internal tissues to provide a watertight seal.  As such these films are used as an adjunct to traditional suturing or stapling in a variety of surgical procedures where achieving a secure closure is paramount.The data also supports use of TissuePatchDural's sister product ObexNeurofilm(TM), which is distributed by Medtronic's Neurosurgical Technologies Division]]> Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:00:00 +0100 http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=61818 Salute e Benessere/Healthcare, Economia e Finanza/Economy and Finance, Altro/Miscellaneous, chimica e farmacia / Chemistry and Pharmacy, http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=61799 global@prnewswire.co.uk (Actavis Group)
Actavis has agreed to remunerate Bioton with the aggregate amount of EUR 55.5 million, of which EUR 22.25 million at signing today. The remainder (EUR 33.25 million) will be paid in instalments in accordance with agreed milestones relating to the registration process involving recombined human insulin (RHI).

Based on the sales volumes estimated by the parties, the Actavis' revenues from the sale of the Insulins by Actavis into the markets in the initial period of 7 years from launch are expected to exceed EUR 1.5 billion. Pursuant to the agreement, the parties will share on an equal '50/50' basis the profits from the sale of the insulins performed by Actavis, as well as the development and registration costs related to Bioton insulins.

In addition to the above, the Bioton Group have also signed memoranda of understanding with Actavis for the sale of insulins in 24 additional territories, including Turkey and Australia. Actavis will pay an additional consideration of up to EUR 1,900,000, including EUR 1,000,000 at signing. Both parties expect that sales of Bioton's recombinant human insulin by Actavis into some of the additional territories shall commence on the turn of 2012 and 2013. The profits from the sale of the insulins in these additional territories will again be shared on an equal basis (50/50). Formal documentation of these arrangements is expected to be concluded in the following weeks.

New data released by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) indicates that more than 366 million people worldwide are living with diabetes. Due to poor diet and sedentary lifestyles, diabetes is rapidly becoming a global epidemic, and the number of diabetes patients is expected to rise to a figure in excess of 550 million by 2030. The World Health Organisation (WHO) projects that the global insulin market will grow from the present level of approximately USD 14 billion to USD 54 billion over that same period.On average, a patient with diabetes type 2 takes almost 30 different medicines over the course of the disease. In light of that fact, the collaboration with Bioton represents a more fundamental and strategic concept in terms of treating diabetes, according to Claudio Albrecht.

"The diabetes idea for us is a much wider one than just promotion and sale of recombinant human insulin or insulin analogues," he said. "We are encountering competitor giants when it comes to insulin and we have to maximise the competitive advantages that we clearly have. Bioton's insulin products have a market presence of more than 10 years' standing, with an excellent safety and efficacy profile. This puts us in a situation where we can overcome more easily any potential doubts that key opinion leaders might have when it comes to biosimilars."

"Furthermore, we differ in one aspect very strongly in comparison with the originators," Albrecht added, highlighting the extensive range of generic type-2 oral diabetes drugs that Actavis already offers. Actavis' pipeline also includes high-value 'gliptin' products and several fixed dose combinations with Metformin.

COMPREHENSIVE CARE OFFERING

Albrecht noted that the opportunity to market a much broader portfolio in the context of diseases related to diabetes is a great one. "Actavis is the only company that can offer such a broad diabetes- and related diseases portfolio. We can tell payers that we cover the whole diabetes segment for a cost that is probably considerably less than they have been paying to date."]]> Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:15:00 +0100 http://www.immediapress.it/sito/rss/gira.php?id=61799