PHARMANOVIA ENTERS INTO AN EXCLUSIVE LICENSING AGREEMENT WITH AETERNA ZENTARIS FOR THE FIRST AND ONLY ORALLY ADMINISTERED APPROVED MEDICINE FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF GROWTH HORMONE DEFICIENCY IN ADULTS

BASILDON, UK, 16 MARCH 2023

Pharmanovia, a global pharmaceutical company that commercialises novel medicines and revitalises, extends and expands the lifecycle of established medicines, has today announced the expansion of its endocrinology portfolio with a new licensing agreement for GHRYVELIN™(macimorelin), a novel medicine used for diagnosing Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency (AGHD) from Aeterna Zentaris.

The agreement gives Pharmanovia the exclusive commercial rights in the UK and EEA.

AGHD is a rare and serious condition that affects 2 to 3 people in 10,000 with significant risk of morbidity and reduced quality of life. It is underdiagnosed and often missed in patients.1

It is characterised by a number of variable and common symptoms including reduced energy levels, altered body composition, osteoporosis (reduced bone mineral density), reduced muscle strength, lipid abnormalities such as increased LDL cholesterol, insulin resistance, and impaired cardiac function.2

Pharmanovia CEO, Dr James Burt commented; ‘’Endocrinology is the largest of our four core therapy areas and the in-licensing of this important novel medicine, the second in-licensing deal of a novel medicine in almost as many weeks, speaks to our ability to in-licence novel, complementary products in the therapeutic settings we support.” 

“We are well placed to use the knowledge and the platform we’ve built through our current endocrinology work to ensure that more patients get the diagnosis they need for this rare and serious condition. Furthermore today’s announcement presents a rare opportunity to license in a medicine that naturally synergises with one of the core growth products in our current portfolio.”

Dr Klaus Paulini, CEO of Aeterna Zentaris, added: “Pharmanovia has expertise marketing diagnostic testing solutions combined with an established footprint in endocrinology across Europe, so this partnership was a natural choice. We’re excited to leverage their knowledge to ensure that more patients benefit from an improved testing experience and reduction in unnecessary treatment for patients.”

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