Allergy Therapeutics subsidiary Bencard Allergie GmbH to promote Novartis ocular allergy product to specialists

Bencard Allergie GmbH, wholly-owned German subsidiary of Allergy Therapeutics (‘ATL’), and Novartis Pharma GmbH, a German subsidiary of Basel based Novartis Pharma AG, have entered into an agreement whereby the parties cooperate in the commercialisation of Novartis’ ophthalmology product ‘Zaditen Ophtha’.

Zaditen Ophtha is a treatment for ocular inflammation and conjunctivitis, symptoms frequently experienced by allergic patients. The active substance in Zaditen Ophtha is ketotifen fumerate, a clinically proven powerful anti-allergic compound with antihistamine qualities.

Novartis launched Zaditen Ophtha in the German market in February 2001 and has already achieved excellent sales. In order to enhance market penetration and to increase the spectrum of patients who might benefit from the product, Novartis was looking for a strong marketing partner with a good reputation in the field of allergy.

Bencard Allergie GmbH has a strong nationwide sales force, well established amongst German physicians with a specialisation in allergology: dermatologists, ENT doctors, pulmologists, pediatricians and selected GPs. Under the agreement, Novartis concentrates on ophthalmologists and BENCARD will promote Zaditen Ophtha exclusively to allergologists.

In addition to Zaditen Ophtha the agreement also covers Zaditen Ophtha Sine which contains no preservatives.