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Apotex Secures Exclusive Rights to Harrow's 5 Ophthalmic Products in Canada

Apotex Secures Exclusive Rights to Harrow's 5 Ophthalmic Products in Canada

February 19, 2024

Harrow has joined forces with Apotex Inc., the largest pharmaceutical company in Canada to bring an array of innovative eyecare solutions to the Canadian market through an exclusive out-licensing agreement.

Under the agreement, Apotex will take on the marketing and distribution responsibilities for VERKAZIA® and Cationorm® PLUS in Canada. VERKAZIA (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) 0.1% is recognized for its effectiveness in treating vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) in children and adolescents, offering a much-needed solution for this debilitating condition.

Cationorm PLUS, an over-the-counter, preservative-free emulsion, targets the widespread issue of dry eye symptoms and ocular allergies, providing relief to a broad consumer base.

The collaboration doesn't stop at existing products. Apotex is also set to pursue Canadian market approval for three additional products from Harrow's portfolio: VEVYE®, IHEEZO®, and ZERVIATE®. VEVYE, a cyclosporine ophthalmic solution, employs a novel water-free vehicle to combat dry eye disease. IHEEZO, a chloroprocaine hydrochloride ophthalmic gel, offers a single-use solution for ocular surface anesthesia, simplifying the process for both patients and healthcare providers. ZERVIATE, a cetirizine ophthalmic solution, targets ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis, promising to bring relief to allergy sufferers.

“We are pleased to enter the Canadian market through this partnership with Apotex, which has a proven track record of success serving Canadian eyecare professionals and their patients,” said Mark L. Baum, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Harrow. “This exclusive agreement fulfills our commitment to access and availability of these five important ophthalmic pharmaceutical products, and we look forward to working closely with our partners at Apotex over the coming years as they seek approval for VEVYE, IHEEZO and ZERVIATE in the Canadian market.”

“We are excited to partner with Harrow to provide access to an innovative branded line of ophthalmic products that complement our existing portfolio,” stated Allan Oberman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Apotex. “This alliance expands Apotex’s product offering in Canada to include innovative patented pharmaceutical medicines, aligned with our ongoing strategic focus to further expand our innovative branded pharmaceutical therapeutic areas of focus in becoming a Canadian-based global health company.”

“Adding these products strengthens our therapeutic line and provides Canadian patients with valuable new treatment options,” adds Mike Woolcock, Senior Vice President, Biosimilars & Specialty. “We look forward to collaborating with Harrow to expand this line with VEVYE, IHEEZO, and ZERVIATE upon receiving market approval to improve the overall patient quality of life in this category.”