Pierre Fabre and Hill Dermaceuticals Announce Strategic Commercial Partnership for TOLAK® Cream 4%

Pierre Fabre Dermo-Cosmetique and Hill Dermaceuticals, Inc. have entered into a strategic commercial partnership for TOLAK, a patented prescription dermatologic drug, indicated for the topical treatment of actinic keratosis lesions of the face, ears, and/or scalp.

Under the terms of the agreement, Pierre Fabre Dermo-Cosmétique will be granted an exclusive license for TOLAK in a broad territory through two of its subsidiaries: Pierre Fabre USA for the immediate distribution of TOLAK in the USA, and Pierre Fabre Dermatologie for commercialization in certain other countries (pending local authorization). Pierre Fabre has also acquired the option rights to countries outside the initial licensed territory.  Hill Dermaceuticals will retain ownership of the NDA for TOLAK in the USA and will supply the product to Pierre Fabre on an exclusive basis. Pierre Fabre Dermatologie will be responsible for obtaining marketing authorizations outside the USA and will hold any marketing approvals in other countries.

"Pierre Fabre is an ideal partner for Hill Dermaceuticals to help us with the marketing and distribution of this unique patented product and its advancement in the US, Europe and other countries," said Jerry Roth, CEO of Hill Dermaceuticals. "This collaboration will enable us to expedite future and current development of additional new drugs, and further advance treatment of difficult diseases."

"With this TOLAK licensing deal, Pierre Fabre Dermo-Cosmétique confirms its strategic goal to develop and commercialize dermatology medicines bridging prescription drugs and dermocosmetic products. We are actually the only company to make this strategic continuity in our competitive environment," said Eric Ducournau, Pierre Fabre Dermo-Cosmétique CEO.

"This is an important milestone in the history of Pierre Fabre Dermatologie" declared Dr. Jean-Jacques Voisard, Dermatologist and CEO of Pierre Fabre Dermatologie. "Firstly, the acquisition of TOLAK's international rights is in line with our strategic decision to invest in dermato-oncology, one of our top priority therapeutic areas with pediatric dermatology. Secondly, after having launchedHEMANGEOL and DEXERYL in the USA over the last two years, the acquisition of TOLAK's US rights confirms our determination to become a significant player in medical dermatology in the USA."

The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.