London, UK--(Marketwire - October 8, 2007) -
For Immediate Release 8 October 2007
Solaraze -Change of Marketing Partner
LONDON, UK - 8 October 2007 -- SkyePharma PLC (LSE: SKP) announces that
the distribution and marketing rights for Solaraze® are being divested
by Shire plc (LSE: SHP, NASDAQ: SHPGY, TSX: SHQ) to Almirall together
with a portfolio of other products which are principally sold by Shire in
the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Ireland.
Solaraze® (diclofenac), is a topical preparation for the treatment of
actinic keratoses, which are common skin lesions on areas damaged
extensively by sunlight. It is marketed in the US by Doak Dermatologics,
a subsidiary of Bradley Pharmaceuticals Inc. and has recently been
launched in Australia by CSL Biotherapies under an agreement with Shire.
SkyePharma receives a low teens royalty on relevant net sales; this is
not affected by the proposed transfer from Shire to Almirall.
The transfer from Shire to Almirall is contingent on competition
clearances and other customary consents.
Frank Condella, CEO of SkyePharma PLC said: "Almirall is well positioned
to ensure future development and investment in Solaraze® and we expect
it to get the focus it needs to continue to grow in all its key markets."
For further information please contact:
SkyePharma PLC
Frank Condella, Chief Executive Officer
Ken Cunningham, Chief Operating Officer +44 207 491 1777
Peter Grant, Finance Director
Financial Dynamics (London enquiries)
David Yates / Deborah Scott +44 207 831 3113
Trout Group (US enquiries)
Christine Labaree / Seth Lewis +1 617 583 1308
About SkyePharma PLC
Using its proprietary drug delivery technologies, SkyePharma develops new
formulations of known molecules to provide a clinical advantage and life-
cycle extension. The Company has eleven approved products in the areas of
oral, inhalation and topical delivery. The Group's products are marketed
throughout the world by leading pharmaceutical companies. For more
information, visit
www.skyepharma.com.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange