Janssen-Cilag to commercialise Vivitrol in Russia

Cilag International’s affiliate Janssen-Cilag is to commercialise Alkermes’ Vivitrol for the treatment of alcohol and opioid dependence in Russia as well as other countries in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

Under the terms of the agreement, Cilag International will pay Alkermes upfront and milestone payments of up to $39 million (20 million pounds), as well as paying any royalties on the sales of the drug, reports Pharmaceutical Business Review.

Janssen-Cilag’s payments will be broken up into a $5 million initial cash payment and then up to an additional $34 million cash payments depending on regulatory approvals for the product and levels of sales.

Alkermes will keep exclusive development and marketing rights in all markets outside the US, Russia and other CIS countries.

Cilag International will also be responsible for filing new drug applications for Vivitrol in Russia and the CIS while Alkermes will retain responsibility for manufacturing the drug.

Commenting on the agreement, David Broecker, president and chief executive officer of Alkermes, said: “We believe Janssen-Cilag brings the commercial capabilities and infrastructure required for a successful product launch in Russia and look forward to a productive partnership.”

Last month, Janssen-Cilag submitted a Marketing Authorisation Application to the European Medicines Evaluations Agency for the use of Velcade (Bortezornib) in patients with previously untreated multiple myeloma.