Biovail Corporation announced that a subsidiary, Biovail Laboratories International SRL (BLS), has entered into a supply agreement with sanofi aventis US for the marketing and distribution of Aplenzin (bupropion hydrobromide tablets) in the United States and Puerto Rico.

"We are pleased to have entered into this partnership with sanofi aventis US," said Bill Wells, Biovail's chief executive officer and president of BLS. "The support of their world-class marketing organization bodes well for a successful launch for Aplenzin."

Aplenzin, which was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in April 2008, is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Biovail anticipates that sanofi aventis US will launch the 348mg and 522mg dosage strengths of Aplenzin in the first quarter of 2009.

Under the terms of the agreement, Biovail will manufacture, supply and sell Aplenzin to sanofi aventis US at contractually determined prices, which will be based on sanofi aventis US' net selling price. Biovail's supply price will range from 25 to 35 per cent of net sales, depending on the level of net sales of Aplenzin. Other financial terms were not disclosed.

Biovail Corporation is a specialty pharmaceutical company engaged in the formulation, clinical testing, registration, manufacture, and commercialization of pharmaceutical products.