Nicorette
This article was originally published in The Tan Sheet
Executive Summary
Pharmacia reaches agreement with Takeda Chemical Industries to sell smoking cessation gum OTC in Japan. Nicotine replacement therapy currently is Rx; companies hope to have OTC application approved and product in distribution by year-end. If approved, Nicorette would be first OTC smoking cessation drug available in Japan. Under terms of deal announced May 15, Takeda will handle pharmacy and wholesaler promotion as well as distribution and material management, while Pharmacia will oversee manufacturing and marketing. Total Nicorette brand had global 2000 sales exceeding $600 mil. Pharmacia sells gum throughout Europe, Canada and has a licensing agreement with GlaxoSmithKline in U.S