Germany-based Grünenthal, a global leader in pain management and related diseases, and South Korea's BCWorld Pharm (BCWP), a specialty company actively expanding and diversifying its pain management portfolio through global open innovation partnerships, have entered into a definitive agreement whereby BCWP will have the exclusive South Korean rights to Qutenza®, a topical, non-systemic, non-opioid patch treatment. In Europe, the product is indicated for the management of peripheral neuropathic pain.
Under the agreement, BCWP will be responsible for obtaining marketing authorisation for Qutenza® in South Korea. Upon approval, the company will market and distribute the product. Grünenthal will receive an upfront payment in addition to regulatory and sales-related milestone payments.
Grünenthal acquired the global rights to Qutenza® in 2018 as part of its M&A-driven growth strategy. Since 2017, Grünenthal has closed successful acquisitions with a total expected deal value of more than €2.3 billion, diversifying its portfolio, enhancing its profitability, and driving business growth. Grünenthal continues to expand the footprint of the acquired brands and to create synergies throughout Grünenthal's infrastructure, including manufacturing, supply, logistics, and commercial activities.
Qutenza (capsaicin) 8% topical system is approved in the US for the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia and for the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) of the feet in adults.
