Ipsen, a global biotechnology specialty care group and Menarini, the first Italian pharmaceutical Group in the world with a significant pan-European presence, announced the launch of Adenuric (febuxostat) in France where they will co-promote the drug. Other launches by Menarini are planned shortly, notably in United Kingdom, Germany and Ireland.

Thierry Poiraud, general manager, Menarini France said: "We are proud to be the first country in Europe to launch this very promising drug with Ipsen. In collaboration with rheumatologists and general practitioners I hope we can significantly improve the chronic management of this painful and frequent disease,which may lead to serious complications with a major impact on quality of life. "

Etienne de Blois, deputy general manager, Ipsen France Operations, Ipsen said, "The launch of Adenuric will provide patients and physicians with a new treatment alternative in a condition with high unmet medical needs. It also strengthens Ipsen's primary care franchise in France, the first country to launch the drug in Europe. Ipsen is proud to work with Menarini to make that achievement possible."

Adenuri (febuxostat), an oral, once-daily medication, is a novel non-purine, selective inhibitor of xanthine oxidase studied for its effects on lowering levels of serum uric acid (sUA) in patients with gout.

Menarini is the first Italian Pharmaceutical Group in the world.