Abbott and AstraZeneca to co-promote Trilipix (fenofibric acid)

Jun 5 2009

Abbot and AstraZeneca have announced that they have entered into an agreement for AstraZeneca to co-promote Abbott's Trilipix (fenofibric acid), a medication for use alone or in combination with a statin to treat certain lipid disorders. Under the terms of the agreement, AstraZeneca will obtain the non-exclusive right to co-promote Trilipix alongside Abbott in the United States, excluding Puerto Rico. Specific financial terms were not disclosed.

"Abbott's portfolio of lipid therapies is designed to help physicians manage a patient's total lipid profile," said Jeffrey Stewart, divisional vice president, Primary Care, Abbott. "With AstraZeneca's established presence in the cardiovascular space, this agreement allows Abbott to expand visibility and education of Trilipix among physicians whose patients may benefit from this medication."

"Part of AstraZeneca's corporate strategy is to establish successful external collaborations. AstraZeneca has a long-standing commitment to cardiovascular health and has an established presence in the cholesterol market. This agreement allows us to further strengthen our presence with physicians by including Trilipix as an offering to physicians for patients with dyslipidemia," said Jim Helm, vice president, cardiovascular, AstraZeneca US. "With clinical data to support its use in helping certain patients with mixed dyslipidemia to manage all three key lipids, Trilipix is another important therapeutic option we can now offer physicians."

Trilipix is a prescription medicine that is used along with diet to lower triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol, and increase HDL (good) cholesterol. Trilipix is also used along with diet to lower triglycerides and increase HDL cholesterol in people who are at high risk of heart disease and are taking a statin medicine to control their LDL cholesterol. Trilipix has not been shown to prevent heart attacks or stroke more than a statin alone.

Trilipix should not be taken by people with liver, gallbladder, or severe kidney disease or by nursing mothers. People should tell their healthcare providers about all the medicines they take. Blood tests are needed before and during treatment with Trilipix to check for liver problems. A healthcare provider should be contacted if serious side effects such as unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness develop. The risk of these side effects may be higher when Trilipix is used with a statin. Other serious side effects may include abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting.