Tying down Europe

Both Eisai Co. Ltd. and Bial-Portela & Ca. S.A. believe their deal giving Eisai European rights to Bial's Zebinix will allow both companies to expand their commercial presence in Europe. The deal adds to Eisai's anti-epileptic franchise and gives Bial co-promotion rights in certain EU countries.

Last month, Eisai received exclusive rights to market Zebinix eslicarbazepine in Europe, except for Portugal, Malta and Cyprus, where Bial retains rights. The Portuguese company also retains co-promotion rights in Spain and options to co-promote in certain other European countries...