Member Press Room

IS Pharma acquires exclusive European rights for Episil® from Camurus

Lund, Sweden. March 9, 2010 - Camurus AB and IS Pharma plc (LSE:ISPH) have announced that they have entered into a license and distribution agreement for Episil®, an oncology supportive care product developed by Camurus. Camurus receives a consideration of €1.75 million and royalties for the exclusive rights in the European territories.

Episil® is a patented oral spray indicated for local treatment of pain associated with oral mucositis, a serious side effect of chemotherapy and radiotherapy during cancer treatment.  Episil® creates a strongly bioadhesive FluidCrystal® film that protects sensitive and sore areas of the mouth. Episil® provides pain reduction during at least eight hours and is presented in a patient friendly multi-dose device. 

IS Pharma plans to launch Episil® across Europe through 2010 and 2011. The market for such products in Europe is estimated at £200 million. IS Pharma has distribution rights for all European territories (EU and Switzerland) with the exception of Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Iceland where Camurus will commercialise the product directly in close partnership with IS Pharma.

Tim Wright, CEO of IS Pharma said: “We are delighted to become Camurus’ exclusive partner in Europe for Episil®. This partnership represents further success in the delivery of our strategy of building IS Pharma through the acquisition and growth of specialist hospital medicines; with a particular focus on higher margin patented products.

Fredrik Tiberg, CEO of Camurus said: “We are very pleased to have signed this agreement with IS Pharma who have clearly demonstrated their ability to grow products in the specialist hospital medicines market across Europe.  Camurus sees a strong synergy for Episil® with IS Pharma’s product portfolio and looks forward to the success of the product in Europe.”

Oral mucositis is a severe side-effect of cancer chemotherapy or radiotherapy.  It is caused by damage to the DNA in the basal epithelial cell lining of the mouth leading to decreased cell proliferation ability which may result in ulceration and opportunistic mouth infections.  Oral mucositis is often a dose-limiting factor in the treatment of cancer.  In more severe cases, oral mucositis can be extremely painful, preventing the patient from eating and necessitating hospitalization for re-hydration, opiate pain medication and total parenteral nutrition.  It is estimated that in the UK, Germany, France Italy and Spain there are approximately 1.25 million cancer patients receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy that could lead to oral mucositis.

 Episil® represents a new concept for local treatment of pain associated with oral mucositis.  The product is administered as a lipid-based liquid that spreads on the intra-oral mucosal surfaces and transforms to a strongly bioadhesive FluidCrystal® film that mechanically protects the sensitised and sore epithelium of the oral cavity. Episil® is conveniently administered from a ready to use multi-dose device. Episil® has been demonstrated to give an immediate and significant reduction of pain caused by oral mucositis.  This analgesic effect was maintained over at least eight hours following administration. Episil® has been registered as a medical device across Europe and has been granted the CE mark.  The product is protected by patent until 2025.

 IS Pharma plc (LSE: ISPH) is a fast growing, profitable business which develops, acquires and commercialises late stage pharmaceuticals and medical devices, focusing in critical care, oncology and neurology. Based in the UK, IS Pharma commercialises its portfolio in the UK directly and internationally through a strong network of distributors.

To find out more please go to www.ispharma.co.uk  

 For more information, contact:

Fredrik Tiberg
President & CEO
Tel: +46 (0)46-286 46 92

Liselotte Larsson
Senior Director, Business Development & Alliances
Tel: +46 (0)46-286 57 38