New markets for Solvay’s continuous dopaminergic stimulation (CDS) treatment

Since 1 September 2005 Solvay Pharmaceuticals has been marketing and selling the product DUODOPA® for the treatment of advanced Parkinson’s disease in 12 new European countries: Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Germany and Austria. Solvay Pharmaceuticals was previously already marketing the product in Sweden and Norway and is currently in the process of introducing this product in the United Kingdom. DUODOPA® joined Solvay’s product portfolio following the acquisition of Neopharma AB, a Swedish pharmaceutical company, earlier this year. Until 1 September 2005, the product was distributed by Orphan Europe, a company specialized in Orphan Drugs with headquarters in Paris, France.

As part of the agreement with Orphan Europe, a number of Orphan Europe’s specialist Parkinson nurses will continue their work within Solvay Pharmaceuticals in order to secure professional support of the specialized treatment.

“Orphan Europe has done important work in preparing the commercialization of DUODOPA® in Europe. By adding our own resources we are confident to achieve a strong launch of DUODOPA®,” says Luc van Eesbeek, Business Group Manager for DUODOPA® at Solvay Pharmaceuticals.

DUODOPA® is a new and unique treatment based on continuous dopaminergic stimulation by means of a formulation of the well-known substances, levodopa and carbidopa, dispersed in a viscous gel.  Using a patient-operated portable pump, the drug is continuously delivered via a tube directly into the upper small intestine, where it is rapidly absorbed. This delivery system ensures a more even supply and uptake compared with conventional combination of tablet treatment.

The intestinal administration of DUODOPA® results in improved mobility for patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease, which in turn leads to a more normal life with better opportunities for social interaction and increased quality of life. DUODOPA® is indicated for the treatment of severe Parkinson’s symptoms and can be used as a monotherapy offering the patient a documented more effective and predictive treatment.

SOLVAY is an international chemical and pharmaceutical group with headquarters in Brussels. It employs some 30000 people (prior to acquiring Fournier Pharma) in 50 countries.  In 2004 its consolidated sales amounted to EUR 7.9 billion generated by its three activity sectors: Chemicals, Plastics and Pharmaceuticals. Solvay is listed on the Euronext 100 index of top European companies. Details are available at www.solvay.com.

SOLVAY PHARMACEUTICALS is the pharmaceuticals entity of Solvay.  It is a research driven pharmaceutical company that seeks to fulfill carefully selected, unmet medical needs in the therapeutic areas of cardiology, gastroenterology, mental health and gynecology/andrology. Solvay Pharmaceuticals employs about 8000 people worldwide.