NAPSR News: Daiichi Sankyo will collaborate with AstraZeneca in commercializing MOVANTIK in the US

WASHINGTON - March 20, 2015 - PRLog -- Daiichi Sankyo, Inc has partnered with AstraZeneca to co-commercialize MOVANTIK™ (naloxegol) in the US which is a once-daily oral PAMORA specifically designed for the treatment of OIC in adult patients with chronic non-cancer pain. According to the agreement, Daiichi will pay a $200 million up-front fee plus subsequent sales-related payments of up to $625 million. AstraZeneca will assume all manufacturing responsibilities, book all sales plus make sales-related commission payments to Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. All commercial activities will be shared by both companies.

Ken Keller, President, US Commercial, Daiichi Sankyo, Inc., said: "We are proud to bring our proven primary care and specialty expertise to this collaboration with AstraZeneca. MOVANTIK represents an opportunity to help patients manage one of the most common conditions arising from widely used pain medications, as well as an opportunity to continue to build the Daiichi Sankyo US portfolio of medicines in this therapeutic area."

Paul Hudson, President, AstraZeneca US and Executive Vice President, North America said: "We are delighted to collaborate with Daiichi Sankyo to expand our commercialization efforts  in the US in order to get this important medicine to the large number of patients suffering with opioid-induced constipation. Our agreement reflects our evolving business model by creating value from our portfolio through externalization activity. Together, we will grow the potential of this important treatment, while we retain our significant interest in the long-term commercial success of MOVANTIK in our largest market."

Approved by the FDA in September 2014, MOVANTIK™ was descheduled by the US Drug Enforcement Administration in January 2015 which no longer categorized the treatment as a controlled substance.

The launch of MOVANTIK in the US is planned for early April 2015 and both companies will most likely expand their sales force to accommodate effective promotion. When industry leaders look for new candidates for sales/marketing positions, they look toward individuals that are industry trained to promote their diversified product portfolio. Companies are looking for people that have the background to sell their product both proficiently and efficiently. The CNPR is a federally trademarked certification you can earn by demonstrating the necessary knowledge in pharmacology, medical terminology, physiology, and regulations for selling pharmaceuticals. The CNPR examination is dedicated to increasing the professional level of NAPSR members and to developing meaningful and ethical standards fully accepted by both its members and members of the pharmaceutical community.

Individuals that are interested in becoming a Certified National Pharmaceutical Representative (CNPR) can contact the National Association of Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives(NAPSRx) for more information or visit the website at http://napsronline.org/