Sanofi-Aventis enters commercial alliance

Sanofi-Aventis and Biovail Laboratories International (BLS) have entered into a commercial alliance for Aplenzin.

The supply agreement – for the marketing and distribution of the drug – follows its approval earlier this year.

Aplenzin is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder and it is hoped the 348 mg and 522 mg doses of the product will be launched in the first quarter of next year.

Under the terms of the agreement, BLS will manufacture, supply and sell the product to Sanofi-Aventis at contractually determined prices, based on the latter’s selling price.

As a result, the supply price will range from 25 per cent to 35 per cent of net sales, depending on the level of purchases of Aplenzin.

Bill Wells, chief executive officer and president of BLS, said: “We are pleased to have entered into this partnership with Sanofi-Aventis.

“The support of their world-class marketing organisation bodes well for a successful launch for Aplenzin.”

Last week, Sanofi-Aventis said it had increased access to non-oncology patient assistance programmes.

The project – for people up to 250 per cent of the poverty level – assists in providing individuals with the company’s prescription medicines.