London, UK, and Reading, UK – July 30, 2012 – Almirall and Quintiles have reached a long-term strategic partnership agreement to promote Almirall's respiratory portfolio in the UK commencing with a new, long-acting antimuscarinic (LAMA) delivered via an innovative, multi-dose inhaler for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
After the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use of the European Medicines Agency (CHMP) issued a positive opinion for the regulatory approval of Almirall's new LAMA as a maintenance bronchodilator treatment to relieve symptoms in adult patients with COPD on May 28, 2012, the European Commission finally approved the medicine on July 24.
"We are proud to bring the first product in a truly innovative respiratory franchise to the UK market. Our long-term alignment with Quintiles will help us to ensure that new therapeutic options are made available for COPD patients throughout the UK," said Carlos Gallardo, General Manager, Almirall UK.
This strategic partnership deepens the relationship between the two organizations. Quintiles conducted part of the clinical study programme in COPD and provides commercialisation services to Almirall in multiple European countries.
Robert Taylor, Managing Director, UK Commercial Solutions, Quintiles, said: "This partnership allows our talented and engaged workforce to drive success across the life cycle of Almirall's respiratory products. We are excited to build upon our trusted relationship with Almirall by working to promote high potential compounds in the UK."
The FDA also issued final positive feedback on Almirall's first product in COPD on July 24.
About Almirall
Almirall is an international pharmaceutical company based on innovation and committed to health. Headquartered in Barcelona, it researches, develops, manufactures and commercialises its own R&D and licensed drugs with the aim of improving people's health and wellbeing. Almirall focuses its research resources on respiratory, gastrointestinal, dermatology and pain. Almirall's products are currently present in over 70 countries in the five continents. It has direct presence in Europe and Mexico through 12 affiliates.
About Quintiles
Quintiles is the only fully integrated biopharmaceutical services company offering clinical, commercial, consulting and capital solutions worldwide. Our network of more than 25,000 professionals in 60 countries has an eye on the future while delivering results today with an unwavering commitment to patients, safety and ethics. Quintiles helps biopharmaceutical companies develop and commercialize products to improve and lengthen patients' lives while demonstrating value to stakeholders. Visit www.quintiles.com for more information and www.quintiles.com/news for additional company news.