Leo Pharma to market and sell ATryn throughout EU

Leo Pharma has said it will be responsible for the marketing and sales of Atryn, a human recombinant form of antithrombin, throughout Europe.

Atryn, a drug developed by GTC, is the first transgenically-produced protein to be used for human therapeutic use. Leo says the drug has both anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory properties.

It has been approved for use in all 25 countries of the EU, including the UK, and is the world’s first recombinant antithrombin product.

Geoffrey F Cox, GTC’s chairman and chief executive officer, remarked: “The approval of ATryn by the European Commission is the final confirmation of a major achievement for GTC for which we are very proud.”

“This approval represents validation of our technology and the beginning of a new phase of opportunities for GTC to build a significant company,” he added.

GTC will manufacture the product, while Leo Pharma will pay both a transfer fee and royalties depending on sales. Leo says the drug is expected to launch in the second quarter of 2007.

Additionally, Leo will pay GTC $2 million when the European Medicines Agency sends confirmation of the marketing authorisation.

Leo is a Danish pharmaceutical company and it specialises in dermatology and critical care products.

© Adfero Ltd