Merck Repatriates Diabetes and Thyroids Portfolio in Russia

04-Feb-2015 - Russian Federation

Merck announced the repatriation of all responsibility for its diabetes and thyroid brands in Russia back to the company. The move, effective as of January 1, 2015, transfers all activities for these brands from Merck’s marketing partner Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited back to Merck in Russia.

Expansion in Emerging Markets is a key pillar of Merck Serono’s commercial strategy, with a special focus being placed on the General Medicines (GM) and Cardiometabolic Care franchises.

“Repatriation of our products used in the treatment of diabetes and thyroid disorders is well aligned with our commercial priorities in Emerging Markets, especially in strategic markets like Russia. Where opportunities arise, we will seek to bring marketing and sales activities back ‘in house’ to support business growth and foster further market development through increased diagnosis and access,” said Elcin Ergun, Head of Global Commercial at Merck Serono, the biopharmaceutical business of Merck. “This decision also reflects our commitment to patients and society in Russia. We will continue to strengthen our business by expanding our commercial footprint, as well as by harnessing manufacturing and supply solutions locally. This was exemplified by our recent announcement of our strategic collaboration with Pharmstandard on local fill and finish production, marketing and distribution of Merck’s Rebif for Multiple Sclerosis treatment in Russia. Providing access to the best therapies for patients is the overriding priority for our business.”

There will be no change in the branding of products as a result of the switch, and the same manufacturing and distribution channels will be utilized. Merck Serono recently expanded retail sales force in Russia in preparation for the shift in responsibilities, with promotion and marketing to be handled by a new local business unit, which is now in place.

The change covers Merck’s leading diabetes and thyroid brands including Glucophage^® (metformin hydrochloride), and Glucophage XR^®, Glucovance^® (metformin and glibenclamide), Euthyrox^® (levothyroxine sodium), Jodid^® (potassium iodide; Iodbalance^TM in Russia), and Thyrozol^® (thiamazole).

Takeda will continue to market Merck’s cardiovascular care products of the Concor^® family, and other GM products in Russia. In other countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Takeda will continue to commercialize all products in Merck’s portfolio for the treatment of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and thyroid disorders alongside other GM products.

https://www.bionity.com/en/news/151498/merck-repatriates-diabetes-and-thyroids-portfolio-in-russia.html