RHEINFELDEN, Switzerland, 20.10.2022 – Life Science Newswire – Tillotts Pharma AG (“Tillotts”), part of the Japanese Zeria Group, is pleased to announce the recent launch of Octasa^® 800mg (mesalazine) delayed-release tablets, as first-line treatment for moderately active ulcerative colitis (UC) in Canada.

The launch of Octasa^® 800mg represents an important step in Tillotts’ strategic partnership with Pendopharm, Division of Pharmascience Inc. Canada and a milestone for both organisations.

Canada has one of the highest incidences of ulcerative colitis in the world, with 7 in 1,000 Canadians affected by the disease. By 2030, the incidence of UC in Canada is expected to rise to 1% or 1 in 100 (403,000 Canadians).[1]

The introduction of Octasa^® 800mg (mesalazine) delayed-release tablets to the Canadian market is expected to optimise the therapeutic options for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in Canada.

Adrian Hill, Global Head of Commercial Operations at Tillotts, said:

“We are very excited to announce that Octasa^® 800mg from Tillotts AG is now available in Canada. The commercial launch of Octasa^® 800mg tablets in Canada will bring a new treatment option in the form of a tablet to clinicians and patients. This has been achieved through the strong strategic partnership between Tillotts and Pendopharm.”

Jad Isber, Vice President and General Manager at Pendopharm, added:

"We are delighted to continue our strong relationship with Tillotts by bringing Octasa^® 800mg to Canadian patients suffering from moderately active ulcerative colitis. The addition of Octasa^® 800mg to our portfolio will further enhance Pendopharm’s leadership position in GI, bringing a new treatment option to healthcare professionals and patients." 

About Tillotts

Tillotts Pharma AG, part of the Japanese Zeria Group, is a fast-growing specialty pharma company with over 350 employees in Switzerland and abroad. Tillotts is dedicated to the development, acquisition and commercialisation of innovative pharmaceutical products for the digestive system. Tillotts successfully markets its own products for the treatment of IBD and Clostridoides difficile infection (CDI) as well as in-licensed products in around 65 countries through its affiliates within Europe and a network of partners throughout the world.

The rights to the trademark Octasa^® are owned by Tillotts. Copyright^© by Tillotts Pharma AG 2022. All rights reserved.

For more information, please visit www.tillotts.com

About Zeria

Zeria Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., founded in 1955, based in Tokyo, Japan, focuses on R&D, manufacturing and sales of prescription drugs as well as OTC products. The company is listed on the First Section of Tokyo Stock Exchange (Stock code: 4559). Zeria holds a leading position within the gastroenterology field in Japan and operates internationally through a number of subsidiaries. For more information about Zeria, please visit www.zeria.co.jp

About PHARMASCIENCE INC

Pharmascience Inc. is one of the largest pharmaceutical manufacturers in Canada and is headquartered in Montreal, Canada. Pharmascience delivers high-quality medicines to over 50 countries worldwide. Pharmascience’s global presence and agile business development model provide healthcare communities around the world with the high-quality Canadian medicines to respond to patients’ needs.

About PENDOPHARM

Pendopharm, specialty division of Pharmascience Inc., is a leading Canadian specialty pharmaceutical company providing patients access to specialty medicines that address unmet medical needs.  Our areas of focus are gastroenterology, sports medicine, neurology and cardiology.  We have extensive experience and knowledge to successfully manage our growing product portfolio.

For more information about Pendopharm, please visit www.pendopharm.com.

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