Almirall agrees Aclidinium licensing deal with Menarini

Almirall has granted Menarini marketing rights to Aclidinium for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Europe.

Under the terms of the deal, Menarini will have joint commercialisation rights to the drug across the majority of EU member states and in other European countries.

Almirall will retain sole marketing rights for the product in the UK, the Netherlands and the Nordic countries.

Eduardo Sanchiz, chief executive officer of Almirall, explained that Menarini "stood out" among a number of potential partners for the licensing agreement.

He said the company "combines a powerful commercial platform with an impressive track record in successfully commercialising distinctive medicine".

Alberto Giovanni Aleotti, a member of the board at Menarini, said he is hopeful the partnership will "bring improvement to the quality of life of COPD sufferers in Europe".

COPD is the umbrella term for condition such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. According to data from the European Lung Foundation, it affects nearly 44 million people in Europe.