Norgine licenses oral mucositis treatment device for sale in Europe

Norgine has agreed a licensing deal to develop and commercialise Mugard, a medical device for the treatment of oral mucositis in Europe.

The company has signed an agreement with the product's creator, Access Pharmaceuticals, that will see Norgine assume full responsibility for Mugard's development, manufacturing, registration, distribution and commercialisation in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

Mugard is designed for the prevention and management of the lesions and symptoms of oral mucositis, a common side effect of cancer treatments. Approximately 1.6 million new cases of the condition arise each year in Europe.

Norgine will introduce the device in 2015, with Access believing this arrangement will help to drive commercial adoption of the product across the region.

Peter Stein, chief executive officer at Norgine, said: "This collaboration is further evidence of Norgine’s commitment to acquire speciality pharmaceutical products to strengthen its portfolio."

Last month, the company announced that Peter Martin, its chief operating officer, has been elected as a member of the executive board of the European Confederation of Pharmaceutical Entrepreneurs for a period of three years.