Ipsen and Saol partner to co-promote Dysport in US

The US affiliate of French pharmaceutical company Ipsen has entered an exclusive, three-year agreement with Saol Therapeutics to promote Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) for approved therapeutic indications in adult spasticity and pediatric lower limb spasticity in the country. 

Dysport is an injectable form of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) that is isolated and purified from Clostridium bacteria generating BoNT-A. 

Ipsen Commercial Operations North America executive vice-president and president Cynthia Schwalm said: "By adding the Saol team's extensive experience with physicians in the hospital setting to our existing efforts, we are able to educate more US healthcare professionals on Dysport.

"As the only botulinum toxin approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of spasticity in adult in upper and lower limbs, and also for the treatment of lower limb spasticity in children ages two and older, it is critical to raise awareness of Dysport as a potential option for appropriate patients."

However, the effects of the botulinum toxin in Dysport might spread from the area of injection to other parts of the human body, resulting in symptoms similar to those of botulism such as swallowing and breathing difficulties that can be life-threatening. 

The treatment is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any botulinum toxin preparation or to any of the components, as well as in case of any infection at the proposed injection site(s) or in patients known to be allergic to cow's milk protein.

Under the deal, Saol Therapeutics’ sales force will promote Ipsen’s Dysport to healthcare professionals largely in the hospital setting starting in August this year. 

Ipsen will retain its current number of sales representatives completely dedicated to Dysport, including all its therapeutic indications.

However, additional details of the agreement have not yet been disclosed.