Astellas Pharma’s Astellas Pharma Europe business has agreed to transfer the exclusive rights for its pain medication, Qutenza (capsaicin 8% patch), in Europe, Middle East, and Africa to Grünenthal, an Aachen, Germany-headquartered research-based pharmaceutical company. Qutenza is approved by the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain in adults.

This agreement marks the start of a process under which Astellas Pharma Europe will transfer all of its commercialization rights for Qutenza to Grünenthal in all 28 European Union member states as well as Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Lichtenstein, and other East European, Middle East. and African countries. The process is anticipated to conclude in 2018.

Until the transfer is complete, Astellas will continue to support the transition to ensure supply of Qutenza to patients.

Source: Astellas Pharma