Mundipharma signs Chinese licensing and distribution agreement with Grünenthal

US-based firm Mundipharma is set to take over commercialisation and distribution duties for the analgesic Tramal (tramadol) in China on behalf of Grünenthal, it has emerged.

Mundipharma has signed a licensing and distribution deal with the German pharmaceutical firm which covers a number of forms of the medicine, including Tramal sustained release tablets, immediate release capsules and a post-operation intravenous formulation know3n as patient controlled intraveneous analgesia (PCIA). It will assume the duties from 1 May this year.

Raman Singh, CEO of Mundipharma, remarked on the strengthening of the relationship between the two, and was keen to stress how the partnership would help deliver to an unmet need in China:

"The addition of Tramal to our portfolio reinforces Mundipharma's position as the international leader in advancing appropriate cancer-related pain relief in China," he commented. "PCIA is an advanced option for medical professionals to treat patients suffering from moderate to severe pain. We are pleased to extend our relationship with Grünenthal to advance the treatment of patients in China, where there remains an unmet patient need. Both organisations are committed to ensuring the responsible use of analgesic medications to treat post-operative patients when other options provide insufficient relief."

Grünenthal CEO Gabriel Baertschi added: "Poorly controlled post-operative pain may delay the recovery process, and negatively impact patients' quality of life. With Tramal, which has a long track record in the Chinese market, we are proud to offer a solution that helps patients in need. Given Mundipharma's strong commitment and experience in pain management in China, we hope to make Tramal available for even more Chinese pain-patients in need of effective medication."