Neopharm will be appointed as Amarin’s sole and exclusive distributor to import, register, distribute, and commercialise Vazkepa in Israel, Gaza, West Bank, and Palestinian territories, while Amarin will supply the finished product to Neopharm
Neopharm to distribute Vazkepa tablets in Israel. (Credit: Steve Buissinne from Pixabay)
Amarin has signed an exclusive marketing and commercialisation deal with Neopharm Israel for the distribution of Vazkepa (icosapent ethyl) in Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, and Palestinian territories.
Vazkepa capsules comprise a single active ingredient, icosapent ethyl, a highly purified form of eicosapentaenoic acid, and it is the first prescription treatment.
Under the terms of the agreement, Neopharm will be appointed as Amarin’s sole and exclusive distributor to import, register, distribute, and commercialise Vazkepa in the territory.
Neopharm will obtain the rights to hold the regulatory approvals and regulatory filings under its own name, as the Marketing Authorization Holder for Vazkepa.
Amarin will be responsible for supplying the finished product to Neopharm, at a transfer price.
Amarin president and CEO Patrick Holt said: “We are excited to announce this agreement with Neopharm, a leading provider of pharmaceutical commercialization in Israel.
“Neopharm is well-positioned with its commercial capabilities, as well as its pedigree and experience in cardiology and related disease categories, to enable access to this important medicine for patients in Israel.”
Neopharm Israel general manager Efi Shnaidman said: “The addition of VAZKEPA to our portfolio and the opportunity to serve and improve the lives of Israeli statin-treated patients suffering from cardiovascular events is a privilege. We look forward to working together with Amarin in making VAZKEPA available and accessible to patients.”
The agreement follows the regulatory approval of Vazkepa, from the Pharmaceuticals Division of Israel’s Ministry of Health (MOH).
The MOH indicated Vazkepa for reducing the risk of cardiovascular (CV) events in adult statin-treated patients at high CV risk with elevated triglycerides and other high-risk characteristics.
Amarin said that the drug has been approved in the US, and is sold in Canada, Lebanon, and the UAE, under the brand name of Vascepa.
In March 2021, Vazkepa has been granted marketing authorisation in European Union (EU), followed by Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales).
Amarin R&D president and chief scientific officer Steven Ketchum said: “The regulatory approval of Vazkepa in Israel marks continued progress in our effort to bring this product to patients with residual cardiovascular risk around the world.
“We are proud of this important milestone in that effort, and that patients in Israel will soon be able to access this important therapeutic option to address their residual cardiovascular risk.”