Dubai-UAE, Hong Kong-PRC and Barcelona-Spain: 02 April, 2012 – NewBridge Pharmaceuticals, a specialty therapeutics company focused on pharmaceuticals, biologics, and diagnostics serving the AfMET (Middle East, Africa, Turkey & Caspian regions), today announced that it has entered into an exclusive license and supply agreement to commercialize Ebernet® in the AfMET region.
Ebernet® is a novel antifungal drug with superior penetration properties, indicated in the treatment of superficial infections. In December 2010, Luqa Pharmaceuticals acquired the exclusive rights to Ebernet® from Laboratorios SALVAT, S.A. for Greater China, Asia-Pacific and territories in Middle East and Africa. Luqa has granted exclusive rights to NewBridge Pharmaceuticals to develop, register, distribute and market Ebernet® in selected AfMET territories where NewBridge will obtain required regulatory approvals and launch the product. Luqa retains full rights in Greater China and Asia-Pacific where it is currently conducting development activities.
Ebernet® (eberconazole 1%) cream was originally developed by Laboratorios SALVAT of Spain. It is indicated for the topical treatment of fungal infections of the skin and was originally approved and launched in Spain in 2005. As a topical, broad-spectrum imidazole derivative, Ebernet® is effective in treating dermatophytoses, candidiasis, and pityriasis. Eberconazole inhibits the synthesis of ergosterol, an essential component of the cytoplasmic membrane. This leads to an alteration in its structure and function, thereby inhibiting the growth of the fungus. Ebernet® has antifungal as well as potent anti-inflammatory effects and is superior to other imidazoles on the market.
“We are pleased to enter this collaboration with Luqa and SALVAT for Ebernet, which will complement our current line of therapies as well as significantly expand our presence into new therapeutic areas” said Joe Henein, President & CEO of NewBridge Pharmaceuticals. “This is an important step to further expand our commercial efforts in these areas as needed, and to reinforce our franchise in infectious diseases as well as advance our promising pipeline projects."
"We are very excited to build a strong partnership with NewBridge, and look forward to seeing Ebernet® launched in these territories in the near future.” stated Robert Braithwaite, CEO of Luqa Pharmaceuticals.
"This is an important step in the success of Ebernet®; we continue to accelerate international access to patients of this new and effective therapy, a fruit of SALVAT’s long-standing commitment to R&D.” Jordi Julve, CEO of SALVAT.
About NewBridge Pharmaceuticals
NewBridge Pharmaceuticals is a first-in-class, venture backed specialty therapeutics company focused on pharmaceuticals, biologics, and medical diagnostics serving the AfMET (Middle East, Africa, Turkey, and Caspian regions) to address the unmet medical needs of diseases with high regional prevalence such as cancer, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases and other metabolic disorders. NewBridge in-licenses and commercializes FDA, EMA/European and Japanese PMDA approved therapeutics, medical devices and diagnostics. Headquartered in UAE with Business Development in the US, NewBridge was founded in 2007 by Burrill & Company, a San Francisco based Life Science Venture Capital, Private Equity, Merchant Banking and Media firm. NewBridge Pharmaceuticals is uniquely positioned as the partner-of-choice for pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and device companies seeking to capture value from their products in these high growth emerging markets. Please visit us at www.nbpharma.com
About Luqa Pharmaceuticals
Luqa Pharmaceuticals is a China-based specialty pharmaceutical company with operations across Asia. We dedicate our talent to build a best in class portfolio of innovative products to meet the medical needs of the markets we work in. We are experts and are passionate about bringing products to market in record time, enhancing market access and commercialization excellence. Luqa's entrepreneurial culture combines international best practices and know-how with comprehensive, fast and flexible local strategies. Please visit us at www.luqapharma.com
About Laboratorios SALVAT, S.A.
Based in Barcelona, Spain, SALVAT is a privately owned pharmaceutical group closely identified with technological innovation and strongly committed to R&D. Founded in 1955, SALVAT has a presence in over 50 countries worldwide in collaboration with well reputed pharmaceutical partners. SALVAT is working to strengthen its international presence by licensing its own developments and by emphasizing collaborations regarding its pipeline products. More information regarding SALVAT can be found at www.salvatbiotech.com