CNS

The active ingredient retigabine (ezogabine in the US) is a new way of affecting potassium channels in the CNS. It has been documented for the treatment of epilepsy and has a different mechanism of action than current antiepileptic therapies. Retigabine is intended for the adjunctive treatment of adults with partial onset epileptic seizures.

GlaxoSmithKline, a pharmaceutical company, has entered into a global collaboration agreement with Valeant (a Meda partner) for this product. The product is currently being launched both in Europe and the US. Meda is entitled to substantial royalty payments on sales as well as milestone payments.

Edluar contains zolpidem, a well-documented active ingredient that is one of the world’s most used drugs for treating sleep disorders. Edluar has a patented sublingual tablet formula with clear patient advantages since it is fast-acting and effective. The FDA approved Edluar in 2009, and the registration process is underway in other key markets.