Lundbeck, Merck sales and marketing update

Merck granted H. Lundbeck exclusive rights outside of the U.S., China and Japan to commercialize Sycrest asenapine. The European Commission approved Sycrest in September to treat moderate to severe manic episodes associated with bipolar I disorder. Lundbeck plans to launch the serotonin (5-HT2) and dopamine D2 receptors antagonist at the beginning of next year in the EU. Merck will receive an undisclosed fee and payments for product supply, and is eligible for royalties (see BioCentury, Sept. 6). ...