Allergy Therapeutics plc, has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Nycomed Canada Inc for Pollinex R, an allergy vaccine for the treatment of allergic rhinitis due to ragweed pollen. Nycomed becomes the exclusive distributor and marketer of the product in Canada.

Additionally, the companies have agreed on an exclusive Negotiation Period for rights to Pollinex Quattro in Canada for the treatment of grass, ragweed and tree allergies. Pollinex Quattro is a modern, adjuvanted vaccine and has a unique short dosing course of four injections. Nycomed will support Allergy Therapeutics in their efforts to submit the dossier for Pollinex Quattro Grass in the first half of 2009. Allergy Therapeutics will work on the submission of Pollinex Quattro Ragweed in the second half of 2009. Completion of clinical development and submission of Pollinex Quattro Tree is subject to final agreement.

This agreement follows the submission on the March 3 of the Pollinex Quattro Grass dossier for regulatory approval in the European Union and the announcement last year of the successful completion of phase-III studies for both Pollinex Quattro Grass and Pollinex Quattro Ragweed. These two studies are the largest controlled allergy vaccine studies ever conducted. In both studies the primary efficacy endpoint was met and Pollinex Quattro demonstrated significant clinical benefits in efficacy, safety and patient compliance.

Keith Carter, chief executive of Allergy Therapeutics, said, "Allergy Therapeutics is delighted to have signed an exclusive distribution agreement with one of the global leaders in pharmaceuticals. This is an important development for us particularly given Nycomed's knowledge of respiratory disease and its sales and marketing strength in Canada. Without doubt, Nycomed is a very attractive partner for Pollinex R and potential future allergy vaccine products in Canada."

Joost van der Mark, vice president, Business Development, Nycomed said, "Nycomed is very pleased to add Pollinex R, to its portfolio of products that can help Canadians who struggle with allergies. This agreement with Allergy Therapeutics reinforces that Nycomed is a company committed to developing relationships with business partners that can make a meaningful difference to Canadians."