Eisai, Esteve sign deal to co-promote anti-epilepsy drug Fycompa in Spain

Eisai and Esteve will launch the new indication for the adjunctive treatment of primary generalised tonic-clonic (PGTC) seizures in adults and adolescents (=12 years) with idiopathic generalised epilepsy (IGE) in Spain in early 2016. Perampanel is also indicated in Spain for the adjunctive treatment of partial onset seizures, with or without secondarily generalised seizures, in patients with epilepsy aged 12 years and older.[1]

Eisai EMEA president and CEO Gary Hendler said: "We are pleased to further strengthen our relationship with Esteve under this new agreement to co-promote perampanel. This collaboration will ensure that we maximise access to our products for people with epilepsy [per indication] in Spain."

Esteve Farma managing director Joe Sullivan said: "The new collaboration with Eisai under the agreement to co-promote perampanel in Spain will further consolidate our presence in neurology, one of our priority areas, and allow us to continue our efforts to bring epilepsy treatments to patients who need them".

Epilepsy is a common neurological condition that causes recurrent seizures in the brain.[2] It is usually diagnosed in children and people over 65 years of age, although it can affect anyone.[2] Currently, up to 22,000 people are diagnosed with epilepsy each year in Spain, of whom around one third have seizures that are not completely controlled by their anti-epileptic therapy.[3]

The new agreement with Esteve in Spain demonstrates Eisai’s commitment in the therapeutic area of epilepsy and further exemplifies the company’s contribution to addressing the diversified needs of and increasing the benefits provided to patients and their families as shown by its human health care mission.