Orion Corporation and Menarini Group collaborate on budesonide-formoterol Easyhaler® combination product for asthma and COPD 

Orion Corporation announced today that it has entered into a collaboration agreement with Menarini Group, for the co-marketing of budesonide-formoterol Easyhaler^® combination product in Germany, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. In addition, the parties have agreed on an exclusive license and distribution arrangement in France and Turkey. Both companies will market budesonide-formoterol Easyhaler^® for the treatment of asthma and COPD under their own brands accompanied by the Easyhaler^® umbrella brand, as applicable.

Respiratory is one of the key strategic areas for Menarini. The collaboration with Menarini reinforces Orion's presence throughout Europe and is in line with Orion's strategy to strengthen its marketing position in Europe and the sales coverage through partnerships. The co-marketing area - in which both companies present their own product brands under the Easyhaler^® umbrella brand - covers Germany, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. Orion will retain exclusive marketing rights for the Nordic countries, U.K. and Eastern Europe where the company is currently promoting Easyhaler^® products. Orion will manufacture the budesonide-formoterol Easyhaler^® product covered by the agreement.

Markku Huhta-Koivisto, Senior Vice President of Orion’s Proprietary Products division, commented:
“I am excited about the collaboration between Orion and Menarini and look forward to having such a strong partner focusing on respiratory therapy area. The collaboration accelerates the good momentum we have for Easyhaler products in Europe and strengthens Orion’s strategic objective to become a stronger player in the field of respiratory medication.”

Dr. Pio Mei, General Manager of The Menarini Group commented:
“We are most satisfied with the agreement and the co-operation between the Menarini Group and Orion.  Menarini’s mission is to make high quality products available to patients all over the world, offering an increasingly wider range of products for the treatment of respiratory diseases."