Alimera, Brill Pharma ink exclusive distribution deal for Iluvien intravitreal implant

Alimera Sciences (NSDQ:ALIM) said today that it inked an exclusive distribution deal with Spain-based Brill Pharma for its Iluvien sustained-release intravitreal implant.

According to the agreement, Brill Pharma will promote, market and commercialize the diabetic macular edema implant in Spain. It will also negotiate with the Spanish Ministry of Health on the implant’s public price and the appropriate net price for reimbursement within the Spanish National Health System.

“As a continuous microdosing treatment that lasts for up to 3 years, Iluvien can make a major difference to patients with DME in Spain,” Alimera president & CEO Dan Myers said in prepared remarks. “With the help of Brill Pharma’s experienced team, we expect to reach Spanish patients and their physicians with a truly innovative product that can consistently treat their disease every day and markedly improve their quality of life.”

Healthcare practitioners use an applicator with a 25-gauge needle to inject the Iluvien intravitreal implant into the back of the patient’s eye. Each implant is designed to release microdoses of the corticosteroid flucinolone acetonide for 36 months.

“Spain has a strong tradition in the use of corticosteroids being one of the largest markets in Europe. The introduction of Iluvien will represent a substantial improvement in the long term management of the pathology and the quality of life of a significant number of patients. Brill Pharma will be the 1st pharmaceutical company with Spanish capital, marketing an innovative intravitreal product in diabetic macular edema,” Brill Pharma CEO Jordi Martinez Rotllan added.

ALIM shares were trading at $1.46 apiece in morning activity today, up 3.6%.

In February, Alimera and Knight Therapeutics (TSE:GUD) said that Health Canada accepted the companies’ New Drug Application for Iluvien.

pSivida (NSDQ:PSDV) licensed Iluvien to Alimera in 2008 and in July 2015, Knight and Alimera inked a deal granting Knight the exclusive distribution rights for Iluvien in Canada.