OREANDA-NEWS. August 18, 2011. Nycomed announced today that it has entered into a collaboration agreement with Orion Corporation (Nasdaq OMX Helsinki: ORNAV and ORNBV) for the co-marketing of Easyhaler® combination products for the treatment of asthma and COPD in the major European countries and an exclusive license and distribution arrangement for the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA). Both companies will commercialise Easyhaler combination products under their own brands accompanied by the Easyhaler umbrella brand.

The agreement covers Orion’s new Easyhaler combination products for treatment of asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Orion is developing a budesonide-formoterol formulation that combines budesonide as an anti-inflammatory agent and formoterol as a long-acting bronchodilator. In addition, Orion has another Easyhaler® research programme in progress to develop a fluticasone-salmeterol formulation. In this formulation fluticasone acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and salmeterol acts as a long-acting bronchodilator. Both these combination products are included in the co-marketing agreement.

Respiratory is a key strategic area for Nycomed, including the COPD treatment Daxas® (roflumilast), Alvesco® (ciclesonide) for asthma, and Omnaris® (ciclesonide) for allergic rhinitis. The collaboration with Nycomed reinforces Orion’s presence throughout Europe and is in line with Orion's strategy to strengthen its marketing position in Europe and the sales coverage through partnerships. The co-marketing area – in which both companies present their own product brands under the Easyhaler umbrella brand – covers the major European countries including Austria, the Benelux countries, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland. Orion will retain exclusive marketing rights for the Nordic countries, U.K. and Eastern Europe where the company is currently promoting single molecule Easyhaler products. Orion will exclusively manufacture the Easyhaler combination products covered by the agreement.

Dr. Liisa Hurme, Senior Vice President of Orion’s Proprietary Products division, commented: “I am excited about the collaboration agreement and look forward to having such a strong partner focusing on the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The collaboration creates a momentum for Easyhaler products in Europe and strengthens Orion’s strategic objective to become a stronger player in the field of respiratory medication.”

Guido Oelkers, Executive Vice President Commercial Operations, Nycomed, commented: “We are very pleased to have signed this collaboration agreement with Orion. We see great potential in these high quality Easyhaler products in major European countries and the MENA region. They will significantly enhance Nycomed's fast-growing Respiratory portfolio.”