AstraZeneca has agreed the sale and licence of the commercial rights to Seroquel (quetiapine fumarate immediate release) and Seroquel XR (quetiapine fumarate extended release) in Europe and Russia to Cheplapharm Arzneimittel GmbH (Cheplapharm). 

Seroquel and Seroquel XR, used primarily to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, have lost their compound patent protection in Europe and Russia.

Ruud Dobber, Executive Vice President, Biopharmaceuticals, said: “Seroquel is an important established medicine and this agreement with Cheplapharm will help ensure continued patient access. It forms part of our strategy of reducing the portfolio of mature medicines to enable reinvestment in our main therapy areas.”

AstraZeneca will continue to manufacture and supply Seroquel and Seroquel XR to Cheplapharm during a transition period.

Pursuant to Listing Rule 10.4.1R (notification of class 2 transactions), the gross book value of assets subject to the divestment as at 31 December 2018 was nil. In the year to 31 December 2018, the aggregate pre-tax profits attributable to Seroquel and Seroquel XR in the relevant territories were $86m. The consideration will be paid in cash and the proceeds used for general corporate purposes.

Financial considerations

Cheplapharm will make an upfront payment of $178m to AstraZeneca and may also make future sales-contingent payments of up to $61m. Income arising from the upfront and future payments will be reported in AstraZeneca’s financial statements within Other Operating Income & Expense. In 2018, Seroquel generated annual product sales of $47m in the markets covered by this agreement, while Seroquel XR generated $61m. The agreement does not impact the Company’s financial guidance for 2019. The transaction is expected to complete in the fourth quarter of 2019, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory clearances.

About Seroquel

Seroquel and Seroquel XR are atypical anti-psychotic medicines with antidepressant properties. The main indications for Seroquel are the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Seroquel XR is also approved in some markets for major depressive disorder and generalised anxiety disorder.

AstraZeneca has previously disposed of the rights to Seroquel and Seroquel XR in the UK, Japan and other major international markets.