Beiersdorf company Labtec and GlaxoSmithKline ally on cold sore patches

Beiersdorf subsidiary Labtec has agreed a new distribution deal with GlaxoSmithKline relating to a new treatment for cold sores.

GlaxoSmithKline’s consumer healthcare division has acquired marketing rights to the new topical patch treatment from Labtec, with the German-based firm set to act as the exclusive manufacturer.

The patch will be based on Labtec’s LabiPatch platform technology and is to provide a “moist and optimal” healing solution for the lip sores, as well as being convenient to apply.

Ingo Lehrke, managing director of Labtec, described GlaxoSmithKline as an “outstanding development and marketing partner” for its new product.

The Labtec representative added: “We are confident that this partnership will deliver improved therapy options for a multitude of patients suffering from cold sores.”

According to Beiersdorf’s most recent financial report last month, the firm’s tesa business unit, of which Labtec is a part, experienced a 20.2 per cent year-on-year increase in organic sales during the first three months of 2010.