Grünenthal to Acquire Commercialization Rights of Qutenza® in Europe from Astellas Pharma Europe

Grünenthal will hold exclusive rights for Qutenza® in all 28 European Union member states, Switzerland, Iceland, Norway and Lichtenstein, and other East European, Middle East and African countries.

The high-dose capsaicin (8%) containing dermal patch Qutenza® (Rx) was developed by NeurogesX and licensed to Astellas Pharma Europe in 2009. The original EMA approval for Qutenza® was obtained in 2009 for the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain excluding diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN). Following a label extension in 2015, DPN is now included, thus broadening the Qutenza® label to all peripheral neuropathic pain subgroups.

Grünenthal, a privately owned mid-cap pharmaceutical company is a recognized specialist in pain and offers a wide range of products and support for physicians and patients. Gabriel Baertschi, CEO Grünenthal said: “We have a clear strategy to further build our pain portfolio through in-house innovation and external acquisition. Adding Qutenza® is a perfect strategic fit and will broaden the options available to physicians, especially in localized neuropathic pain – an area of remaining high unmet need for patients.”

About Qutenza®(capsaicin 8% patch)

The capsaicin 8% patch which was developed by NeurogesX and licensed to Astellas Pharma Europe in 2009 is approved by the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain in adults either alone or in combination with other medicinal products for pain. The capsaicin 8% patch is currently approved for use in 27 countries across Europe.

The capsaicin 8% patch delivers a high-dose of capsaicin directly to the damaged nerves in the skin that are the source of neuropathic pain. Applied to the area of pain, the capsaicin reduces their spontaneous activity and consequently reduces the neuropathic pain intensity.