Ipsen, a global specialty-driven pharmaceutical company, and Galderma, a global healthcare company focused on medical solutions in dermatology and skin health, announced that they have expanded the geographical scope of their neurotoxin partnership, whereby Galderma acquires the exclusive rights to develop, promote and distribute Dysport in the aesthetic indications in the APAC territory.

Ipsen and Galderma initiated their partnership in 2007 for the commercialisation of Azzalure in the aesthetic and dermatology indications in Europe, further extended for Dysport to Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and Australia. In 2014, the companies significantly strengthened their collaboration by prolonging their partnership until 2036, by expanding the geographical coverage to the US and Canada, and by increasing the scope of their R&D collaboration.

Marc de Garidel, chairman and chief executive officer of Ipsen stated, “We are delighted to further expand our collaboration with Galderma, our key historical partner for the distribution of Dysport/Azzalure in aesthetics. Our partnership now covers the majority of the global neurotoxin aesthetic market. Galderma has successfully grown Dysport and Azzalure in aesthetics, while Ipsen’s core strategy has been to reinforce its presence in movement disorders. We are confident that Galderma will also maximize Dysport’s aesthetic potential in the Asia-Pacific territory.”

Stuart Raetzman, chief executive officer of Galderma Pharma S.A stated, “The expansion of Galderma’s partnership with Ipsen makes both companies even better partners for healthcare professionals, and allows us to meet the needs of both physicians and patients in Asia-Pacific over many indications. These new contracts are the continuation of a very successful partnership over the last years between Galderma and Ipsen.”

Further to the distribution agreement, Ipsen and Galderma extend their R&D collaboration. Ipsen is running a phase 3 study for Dysport in Glabellar Lines in China, for which a launch is expected beyond 2020. The clinical study will be funded by Galderma in exchange for the right to use the results of such study to support regulatory filing and commercialise the product in China.

In addition, Ipsen acquires the intellectual property for Galderma’s liquid toxin in the APAC1 territory.

Dysport, Ipsen’s botulinum toxin type A, is a neuromuscular blocking toxin which acts to block acetylcholine release at motor nerve ends and reduces muscular spasm. It was initially developed for the treatment of movement disorders such as cervical dystonia (a chronic condition in which the neck is twisted or deviated), blepharospasm (involuntary eye closure), hemifacial spasm and various forms of muscle spasticity, including post-stroke arm spasticity, spasticity of the lower limbs (calf) in adults and children with cerebral palsy.

The product is currently referred to as Dysport for medical and aesthetic markets and as Azzalure in aesthetic indication in EU.