Sanofi and Eli Lilly and Company announced an agreement to pursue regulatory approval of nonprescription Cialis (tadalafil). Cialis is currently available by prescription only worldwide for the treatment of men with erectile dysfunction (ED).

Under the terms of the agreement, Sanofi acquires the exclusive rights to apply for approval of Cialis OTC in the United States, Europe, Canada and Australia. Sanofi also holds exclusive rights to market Cialis OTC following Sanofi's receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. If approved, Sanofi anticipates providing Cialis OTC after expiration of certain patents. Terms of the licensing agreement were not disclosed.

"This agreement provides us with an opportunity to work with Lilly, a leader in men's health, to transform how this important medicine is offered to millions of men throughout the world," said Vincent Warnery, senior vice president, Global Consumer Healthcare Division, Sanofi.  "The opportunity to forge an industry-leading partnership that adds to Sanofi Consumer Healthcare's leading portfolio and successful track record of over-the-counter switches reinforces consumer health care as a major growth platform for Sanofi."

"Millions of men worldwide trust Cialis to treat ED. We are pleased to work with Sanofi to pursue a path that could allow more men who suffer from ED to obtain convenient access to a safe and reliable product without a prescription," said David Ricks, senior vice president, Lilly, and president, Lilly Bio-Medicines. "Switching a medicine to over-the-counter is a highly regulated process that is data-driven and scientifically rigorous. Together with Sanofi, we look forward to working closely with regulatory authorities to define the proper actions and necessary precautions to help patients use over-the-counter Cialis appropriately."

Cialis was first approved by the European Medicines Agency in 2002, then by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2003, for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Ultimately, Cialis has received approval in more than 120 countries for indications that vary by country, including erectile dysfunction and erectile dysfunction and the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Cialis reached $2.16 billion USD (€1.58 billion) in worldwide sales in 2013 and has recorded total global sales of more than $14 billion USD (€10.2 billion) since launch. To date, more than 45 million men worldwide have been treated with Cialis.

Currently only available with a prescription, Cialis is a tablet taken to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and both ED and the signs and symptoms of BPH. Cialis is the only PDE-5 inhibitor treatment that offers men a choice when it comes to treatment for erectile dysfunction - Cialis for use as needed and Cialis for once daily use.

Cialis is not for women or children. It is important to note that Cialis is not to be taken with medicines called "nitrates" such as isosorbide dinitrate or isosorbide mononitrate which are often prescribed for chest pain; or with recreational drugs called "poppers" like amyl or butyl nitrite, as the combination may cause an unsafe drop in blood pressure; or if allergic to Cialis or Adcirca (tadalafil), or any of its ingredients. Anyone who experiences any symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as rash, hives, swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing or swallowing, should call a healthcare provider or get help right away.

ED is a medical condition in which a man has trouble getting or keeping an erection. It is very common: more than half of men over 40 years old have ED.

Sanofi Consumer Healthcare is committed to providing consumers around the world with self-care solutions that empower them to better manage their health and well-being through leading brands in the areas of Allergy, Digestive health, Feminine care, Cough, cold, flu & sinus and Vitamins, minerals & supplements. We place people at the very heart of everything we do and strive to identify and fulfil their needs by delivering consumer insights-driven innovation,  leveraging our medical & scientific heritage and our close collaboration with healthcare professionals,  easing consumer access via switching relevant prescription medicines to over-the-counter solutions and applying the pharmaceutical quality standards delivered by our Group's global manufacturing network. In 2013, Sanofi Consumer healthcare achieved a €3.0 billion ($4.1 billion USD) turnover representing a 5.2% growth vs. 2012 (constant exchange rates) and ranked #3 worldwide consumer healthcare player (Nicholas Hall- 2013).