Dubendorf and Lausanne, Switzerland, March 31, 2009 – Bachem and Debiopharm today announced the conclusion of a follow-up agreement for the long-term supply of Triptorelin Pamoate. Bachem has been supplying Triptorelin Pamoate, the active ingredient for Debiopharm’s Decapeptyl® (Trelstar® in the USA), for the treatment of prostate cancer, endometriosis and premature puberty for over 15 years, initially on an individual order basis, since March 2006 in the frame of a long-term supply agreement. In view of the favourable development of Decapeptyl®, the initial supply contract has been revisited. Under the terms of the follow-up agreement, Bachem will continue to supply Debiopharm with agreed quantities of Triptorelin Pamoate at fixed conditions. The delivery quantities are defined on the basis
of detailed planning models and are supplied by Bachem through a call order.
Walter Isler, Head of Marketing and Sales with Bachem AG, commented: “We are very satisfied with having fully met the accelerated supply schedule of our partner and look forward to further supporting Debiopharm in continued growth of Decapeptyl®.”
Betrand Ducrey, CEO of Debio R.P., stated: “We highly appreciate the reliability, flexibility and support of Bachem who has over years delivered consistent quality and increasing quantities of active ingredient for Decapeptyl® as and when needed. We therefore look forward to continuing our partnership on the basis of mutual trust and permanent dialogue”.
About Decapeptyl®
Triptorelin was licensed-in from Tulane University in 1982. Debiopharm developed and registered a 1- and 3-month sustained release formulation of Triptorelin Pamoate in Europe and the U.S. The product is now marketed worldwide for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer, endometriosis, precocious puberty, in-vitro fertilisation programs, and uterine fibroids. The 2008 licensee sales were in excess of USD 400 million. In September 2008, Debiopharm submitted a New Drug Application (NDA) for a new 6-month-formulation of Decapeptyl® in locally advanced or metastatic prostate cancer with the European registration agencies and with the US FDA. Given previous market success and the efforts of Debiopharm to extend indications with the new formulation, prospects for Triptorelin Pamoate remain highly promising.
About Debiopharm Group
Debiopharm Group is a global biopharmaceutical development specialist that in-licenses promising biologics and small molecule drug candidates. It develops its products for global registration and maximum commercial potential for out-licensing to pharmaceutical partners for sales and marketing. Debiopharm independently funds the worldwide development of all of its products while providing expertise in pre-clinical and clinical trials, manufacturing, drug delivery and formulation, and regulatory affairs. Founded in 1979 and headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, Debiopharm has developed three products with global combined sales in excess of $2.6 billion in 2008. For more information on Debiopharm Group, please visit: www.debiopharm.com
About Bachem
Bachem is an independent, technology-based, public biochemicals company providing full service to the pharma and biotech industry. Bachem is specialized in the process development and the manufacturing of peptides and complex organic molecules as active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), as well as innovative biochemicals for research purposes. With headquarters in Bubendorf, Switzerland, and affiliates in Europe and the US, Bachem works on a global scale and holds a leading position in the field of peptides.
For more information on the Bachem Group, please visit: www.bachem.com