The European Commission has given the final EU marketing authorisation for Azilect for the treatment of Parkinson's disease both as initial monotherapy in patients with early Parkinson's disease (PD) and as adjunct treatment in moderate-to-advanced PD. The companies intend to market the product in various countries across Europe during the second quarter 2005, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Teva) and H. Lundbeck A/S have jointly announced here.

Azilect is a novel, potent, second-generation, selective, irreversible monoamine oxidase type-B (MAO-B) inhibitor that blocks the breakdown of dopamine, a substance in the brain needed to facilitate movement.

The development of rasagiline is part of a long-term alliance for co-development in Parkinson's disease and European marketing between Lundbeck and Teva.

Azilect is a joint development of Teva and the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology.