Pharmacia
This article was originally published in The Tan Sheet
Executive Summary
OTC Nicorette smoking cessation gum to launch in Japan this year following Ministry of Health's approval for non-Rx sale June 20, company announces. Only original flavor will be sold initially. Nicorette is first OTC cessation product approved in Japan, Pharmacia says. Firm cites 1999 statistics showing almost 53% of Japanese men, 12% of women smoke. Takeda Chemical Industries will distribute gum (1"The Tan Sheet" May 21, In Brief)
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GlaxoSmithKline
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Nicorette
Pharmacia reaches agreement with Takeda Chemical Industries to sell smoking cessation gum OTC in Japan. Nicotine replacement therapy currently is Rx; companies hope to have OTC application approved and product in distribution by year-end. If approved, Nicorette would be first OTC smoking cessation drug available in Japan. Under terms of deal announced May 15, Takeda will handle pharmacy and wholesaler promotion as well as distribution and material management, while Pharmacia will oversee manufacturing and marketing. Total Nicorette brand had global 2000 sales exceeding $600 mil. Pharmacia sells gum throughout Europe, Canada and has a licensing agreement with GlaxoSmithKline in U.S