Pfizer to promote Novartis respiratory drugs in UK

Pfizer has signed a deal which will see it promote two Novartis COPD products in the UK.

Ultibro Breezhaler (indacaterol / glycopyrronium bromide) and Seebri Breezhaler (glycopyrronium bromide) in the United Kingdom will both be marketed by Pfizer, an arrangement that will be unique to the UK.

The move allows Novartis to move out of the primary care field, and focus exclusively on secondary care therapy areas such as oncology and MS.

The Seebri Breezhaler has been on the UK market since November 2012, while Ultibro has gained European approval, but has not yet been launched.

Once the deal is in place, Pfizer plans to make Ultibro Breezhaler available in the UK.

Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK will remain the registered licence holder with the MHRA and will continue to be responsible for the manufacture, sales and distribution of both medicines, in addition to regulatory, pharmacovigilance and medical information commitments.

"We strive to do the best for patients and the medical community," said Fred Guerard, General Manager of Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK. "We are confident that together with the resources and expertise of Pfizer in the UK we will help maximise access and availability of these important medicines for COPD patients. This agreement will allow Novartis to focus its resources on equally important disease areas with high patient need such as oncology, wet age-related macular degeneration, multiple sclerosis and severe asthma, and on our pipeline products in areas such as heart failure and psoriasis."

Jonathan Emms, UK Managing Director of Pfizer also welcomed the deal, and said his company would be able to bring its considerable expertise to the therapy area.