NewBridge Pharmaceuticals and Axcan Pharma, both speciality pharmaceutical companies, have entered into an agreement for the supply of a 3-in-1 capsule therapy for the eradication of a bacterium known to cause ulcers.

Pylera is an innovative capsule therapy for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium now recognised as being the main cause of gastric and duodenal ulcers.

Pursuant to the agreement, NewBridge is entitled to obtain exclusive rights in certain markets where it obtains required regulatory approvals and launches the product. The product should be launched in the fourth quarter of 2010, a statement said.

Pylera, which was developed by Axcan over the last ten years, is a patented 3-in-1 capsule therapy. Each Pylera capsule contains bismuth subcitrate potassium, metronidazole and tetracycline hydrochloride.

Pylera is clinically proven to be as effective as the most widely prescribed therapeutic regimen for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori (omeprazole, amoxicillin and clarithromycin) and has the potential to be used in a wide range of patients as a first-line therapy for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori based on its convenient 10-day treatment dosing regimen.

Pylera provides additional clinical benefit by improving patient compliance. Pylera received FDA approval in September 2006 and was successfully launched in the US in May 2007.

"In partnering with Axcan for the Pylera 3-in-1 capsule therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication, NewBridge Pharmaceuticals advances further to become one of the key providers of innovative pharmaceutical care to the Middle East, Turkey, CIS and Africa," said Dr. Garrett Vygantas, CEO of NewBridge Pharmaceuticals.

"NewBridge's strategy of providing world-class sales and marketing, pharmacovigilance and supply chain support for our innovative products allows patients and physicians across the region access to best-in-class therapeutics, education and support,” he added.

"We are happy to be partnering with NewBridge Pharmaceuticals," said Nicholas Franco, Axcan's senior vice president, international commercial operations.

“This will enable Axcan's Pylera to be launched in rapidly growing markets in which NewBridge has expertise," he noted. – TradeArabia News Service