Mundipharma Expands Santen Ophthalmic Partnership with Saflutan(R) and Taptiqom(R)

Mundipharma has expanded its partnership with specialist ophthalmic pharmaceutical company, Santen Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, to extend its existing licence for Saflutan® to add approximately 50 markets across the Middle East and Africa. Mundipharma will also add Taptiqom® to its portfolio for Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa as part of the extended licensing agreement.

"We are delighted to further expand our ophthalmic portfolio as well as our successful partnership with Santen" said Raman Singh, CEO Mundipharma. "The extended licensing footprint will provide physicians in the additional countries with more preservative-free treatment options for glaucoma patients," he added.

Preservative-free formulations have been shown to reduce secondary complications for glaucoma patients, which can include eye irritation and discomfort and ocular surface disease. Up to 60 per cent of glaucoma patients have ocular surface disease, compared to 15 per cent of the normal elderly population, where Ocular surface disease can cause irritation, burning, sensitivity to light, and intermittent blurred vision. According to research, patients using preservative-free formulations appear to have healthier ocular surfaces compared to patients using preservative containing formulations1 over a long period of time.  

Saflutan® (tafluprost) is the first preservative-free prostaglandin analog to relieve intraocular pressure, while Taptiqom® is the first preservative-free fixed dose combination of tafluprost and timolol, used as a second line treatment for patients where their intraocular pressure is inadequately controlled by Saflutan® alone.

"Ophthalmology is one of Mundipharma's key focus areas and we are pleased to be able to offer patients access to innovative medical treatments as part of our broad-based portfolio," said Mr Singh.