Valeo Pharma announced today that it entered into a commercialization and supply agreement with Novartis Canada for its asthma therapies.

Montreal-based Valeo’s deal is to offer Canadian commercialization efforts for two asthma therapies: Enerzair Breezhaler (indacaterol as acetate, glycopyrronium as bromide and mometasone furoate, and Atectura Breezhaler (indacaterol as acetate and mometasone fuorate).

Under the agreement, Valeo will be responsible for both the medical and commercial activities for both Breezhaler asthma treatments over the course of an initial eight-year period.

Both the Enerzair and Atectura formulations are once-daily therapeutics available in the hydrofluoroalkane/chlorofluorocarbon (HFA/CFC)-free Breezhaler device.

“We are extremely pleased to be partnering with Novartis to launch these two asthma drugs in the coming weeks. Commercializing Enerzair Breezhaler and Atectura Breezhaler will immediately position Valeo as one of the leading Canadian respiratory companies providing first in-class and best in-class asthma therapies. The Canadian asthma maintenance market exceeds $700M annually,” Valeo CEO Steve Saviuk said in a news release. “This partnership is perfectly aligned with Valeo’s vision and mission of building a Canadian anchor pharmaceutical company by driving therapeutic innovation to patients in need. We look forward to building a long and mutually beneficial relationship with Novartis that will help both companies fulfill their respective missions.” 

“This agreement with Valeo Pharma fits with our overall strategy to provide innovative medicines that have the potential to improve health outcomes,” added Novartis Canada head of country pharma organization Andrea Marazzi. “Valeo’s commitment and focus to bring Enerzair^® Breezhaler and Atectura Breezhaler to Canadians, combined with our strong respiratory experience, brings a solution that will help make asthma control a more attainable goal for some Canadians.”