Novo Nordisk A/S announced that it will assume US marketing activities, including product fulfillment and distribution, for its hormone therapy products Activella (1mg estradiol/0.5 mg norethindrone acetate tablets) and Vagifem (estradiol vaginal tablets), as legal negotiations over Pfizer's early termination of the product licensing agreement continue.

Novo Nordisk is challenging Pfizer's move earlier this year to terminate a multi-year licensing agreement originally between Novo Nordisk and Pharmacia & Upjohn (P&U), granting P&U the US marketing rights to Activella and Vagifem in 2000. Pfizer assumed P&U's rights under the license agreement upon its recently completed acquisition of Pharmacia and Upjohn.

According to Martin Soeters, president of Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Inc., the company will ensure continued product supply to hormone therapy customers and has put into place a variety of information channels to support the products. Novo Nordisk has established two toll-free numbers for women and their healthcare providers to call for further information regarding the availability of Activella and Vagifem.

"There is no reason for women to suffer the symptoms associated with menopause. Hormone therapies, such as Activella, a low dose product, and Vagifem, an estrogen for local administration, are important for women to help control the undesirable effects of menopause, which can sometimes last for a number of years," said Martin Soeters. "We at Novo Nordisk remain committed to offering women and their healthcare providers these significant treatment choices, and we have assured a smooth transition for seamless access to supply and information. Both Activella and Vagifem are the fastest growing products in their segments. We are committed to meeting the growing demand for these important products in the US marketplace," he said.