United Pharmaceuticals acquires UK patented patch technology

Published: 1-Nov-2002


Jordanian generics manufacturer United Pharmaceuticals, based in Amman, has become one of only five companies in the world manufacturing transdermal patches through the acquisition of the intellectual property, processes and know-how of UK company Stowic, which develops transdermal products for drug delivery. The technology is said to offer a number of advantages, including smaller patch sizes and controlled release.

Several generic and proprietary transdermal formulations have been developed using Stowic's technology: an EU regulatory file for nicotine products is understood to be nearing completion, and this will be followed by nitroglycerin and scopolamine. United Pharmaceuticals will be responsible for local marketing of the finished products and is seeking licensing partners for the US and the EU.

'Together with our existing capabilities, transdermal drug delivery will enable United Pharmaceuticals to further solidify its position in Europe and to penetrate the important US market,' said United Pharmaceuticals' president and ceo Thomas Ericsson.

In a separate deal, the company has acquired the technology, know-how and products for medical chewing gums from Swedish company TillCE GumTech. Smoking cessation therapy will be the first therapeutic area, but down the line the company will use the technology for other applications.

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