Singapore-based A Menarini Asia-Pacific Holdings Pte Ltd (Menarini Asia-Pacific) and MSD have embarked on a multi-year partnership for Menarini Asia-Pacific to assume the sales, marketing and distribution of a number of MSD's pharmaceutical brands in Asia-Pacific since January 2016.

The partnership involves six (6) countries, namely Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Hong Kong, Brunei and Macao with annual sales in excess of US$ 70 million1 that could potentially extend to other key Asia-Pacific markets. The partnership covers a portfolio of highly recognized brands among physicians and patients, ranging from cardiology, respiratory and women's health to central nervous system and dermatology. Prior to this agreement, Menarini and MSD had already developed similar partnerships in several other markets in Europe.

"Menarini is excited about the extended partnership to the Asia-Pacific Region that will serve to further strengthen our global collaboration with MSD. MSD is a partner that shares the same core values of upholding a culture of integrity and maintaining the highest ethical standards in the way we do business. The MSD portfolio both complements our existing brands and expands our therapeutic categories and, thanks also to our extensive presence and capabilities in the region, I am confident that that it will allow us to speed up our growth, said Dr Luca Lastrucci, CEO of Menarini Asia-Pacific.

"Menarini has been a reliable partner for MSD with similar shared values, a strong sales and marketing footprint, and an excellent track record across the region. We are confident they will grow these brands and increase access for patients to these important medicines," said Jan Van Acker, president, MSD Asia-Pacific.

Menarini Asia-Pacific is a member of the Menarini Group, the world's largest Italian biopharmaceutical company, and provides physicians and healthcare professionals with medical and scientific information with competence, correctness and the highest ethical standards in all its work processes.