3M today announced it is expanding its dermatology and immunology portfolio by teaming with Novartis Pharma to offer an innovative skin medication in Germany. 3M will market Douglan cream 1% with the novel drug pimecrolimus, for atopic dermatitis, while Novartis continues to offer Elidel cream 1%.
"By joining forces, Novartis and 3M can offer this exciting therapy to more health care professionals and patients throughout Germany," said Dr. Emmanuel Puginier, CEO, Novartis Pharma, Germany. "Since introducing the new medicine in 2002, sales of Elidel cream have grown rapidly, making it a leading therapy in its category," he said.
Clinical studies of pimecrolimus for atopic dermatitis have shown short-term impact on the main symptoms (such as itching) and successful long-term treatment, with a significantly decreased number of acute inflammatory flares. The improved therapeutic potential is achieved without certain side effects often seen with steroids, such as thinning of the skin, stretch marks or spider veins. In Germany, approximately 3 million people suffer from the disease.
Jim Vaughan, European business director, 3M Pharmaceuticals, said, "We're pleased to bring our considerable marketing and sales strength in the German market to this opportunity." He added, "The agreement further supports our efforts to expand 3M's portfolio of innovative drug therapies in the field of dermatology and immunology. Pimecrolimus is a perfect companion product for 3M's Aldara (imiquimod) cream, 5%, the first immune response modifier (IRM), which is indicated for the treatment of genital warts caused by a common sexually transmitted disease. Douglan cream together with Aldara cream and 3M's IRM product pipeline puts 3M Pharmaceuticals in solid strategic position for accelerated growth.
About Novartis
Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS) is a world leader in pharmaceuticals and consumer health. In 2002, the Group's businesses achieved sales of CHF 32.4 billion (USD 20.9 billion) and a net income of CHF 7.3 billion (USD 4.7 billion). The Group invested approximately CHF 4.3 billion (USD 2.8 billion) in R&D. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis Group companies employ about 78,500 people and operate in over 140 countries around the world. For further information, please consult http://www.novartis.com.
About 3M Pharmaceuticals - Part of the 3M Health Care Family
3M Health Care is one of seven major 3M businesses, serving medical, dental, pharmaceutical and personal care markets. 3M Pharmaceuticals, a division of 3M Health Care, develops, manufactures and sells branded prescription drug products related to dermatology, women's health, sexual health, cardiology and respiratory medicine. Additional information is available at www.3M.com/pharma.
About 3M - A Global, Diversified Technology Company
Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include icons such as Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Dyneon and O-Cel-O. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the company's 70,000 people use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation. For more information, including the latest product and technology news, visit www.3M.com.
Douglan, Aldara, Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Dyneon and O-Cel-O are trademarks of 3M.
Elidel is a trademark of Novartis.
3M, St. Paul3M Co., United States:John Cornwell, 651-733-7698or3M Germany:Manfred Kremer, (49) 02131-14-2357orNovartis Pharma GmbHDr. Michaela Paudler-Debus, (+49) 911 273 12006
