Launch of GATIFLO 0.3% Eye Drops,a Broad-spectrum,Antibacterial Ophthalmic Solution,in Japan
September 7, 2004
On September 7, 2004, Senju Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. ("Senju"; President: Shoji Yoshida) launched GATIFLO® 0.3% Eye Drops，a new quinolone antibacterial ophthalmic agent (generic name; gatifloxacin), which was discovered and licensed by Kyorin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. ("Kyorin"; President: Ikuo Ogihara).
Kyorin and Senju executed a License Agreement for the product in August 1999. Senju subsequently conducted clinical development, and obtained approval from the Japanese health authorities in July 2004. Senju intends to promote this product as a major player in the antibacterial ophthalmic solution market in Japan.
Outside of Japan, Allergan Inc. has already launched the gatifloxacin ophthalmic solution, and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company also has been marketing both tablets and injection of gatifloxacin. In Japan, Kyorin has been co-marketing GATIFLO® Tablets with Dainippon Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
Kyorin expects that the launch of GATIFLO® 0.3% Eye Drops in Japan will further boost the existing gatifloxacin business.
Under the Agreement, Kyorin supplies gatifloxacin bulk material to Senju, who in turn manufactures and markets the product. Royalties due to Kyorin from Senju will be based on a certain percentage of Senju's sales of the product.
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