SIFI to distribute Alimera’s DME treatment Iluvien in Italy, San Marino and Vatican City

As part of the deal, SIFI will be responsible for managing all promotion, marketing and commercial activities in those locations for Iluvien, Alimera’s sustained release intravitreal injection to treat diabetic macular edema (DME).

Alimera president and chief executive officer Dan Myers said: "We are very pleased to have entered into this agreement with SIFI for commercialization of Iluvien in Italy, San Marino and Vatican City.

"SIFI’s long history in Italian ophthalmology, together with its robust portfolio of more than 50 ophthalmic pharmaceutical products, makes it the ideal partner for bringing Iluvien to the Italian market."

The five-year deal is automatically renewable for three years which will see SIFI pursue reimbursement of Iluvien as an H Class designation.

SIFI executive chairman Fabrizio Chines said: "At SIFI, we pride ourselves on providing ophthalmologists with a full range of products to address their patients’ eye care needs.

"With the addition of the multiyear Iluvien implant, we can now offer the most advanced treatment for diabetic macular edema, which we believe will strategically complement our existing portfolio and leverage our strong relationships with Italian ophthalmologists and eye hospitals."