Amarin and HLS Therapeutics Announce Agreement to Commercialize Vascepa® in Canada

On Sep 25, 2017

Bedminster-based Amarin Corporation plc and HLS Therapeutics Inc. (“HLS”), announced an exclusive agreement between the parties to register, commercialize and distribute Vascepa® (icosapent ethyl) capsules in Canada. Amarin and HLS anticipate submitting an application to Canadian regulatory authorities to seek approval to commercialize Vascepa in Canada.

“We are excited to enter into a collaboration with HLS to seek regulatory approval and commercialize Vascepa in Canada,” stated John F. Thero, president and chief executive officer of Amarin. “The proven track record of HLS’s leadership in commercializing pharmaceutical products in Canada, along with our shared vision and commitment, bestow confidence that we will provide Vascepa as a treatment option for millions of Canadians.”

“HLS is delighted to work with Amarin, as we expect Vascepa to be the first highly pure, omega-3 fatty acid product available by prescription in Canada,” stated Greg Gubitz, chief executive officer of HLS Therapeutics. “Amarin’s $200+ million cardiovascular outcomes study, REDUCE-IT, has a significant number of Canadian key opinion leaders and clinical sites involved. As cardiovascular disease is the number one killer in the world1, HLS is proud to be associated with Amarin’s mission to improve cardiovascular health.”

Heart disease is a leading cause of death in Canada1. Twenty-five percent of Canadians have high triglycerides2, a key comorbidity associated with cardiovascular disease, and about 2.4 million Canadians live with heart disease3. HLS and Amarin believe Vascepa has the potential to become an important part of the physician’s armamentarium in the treatment of the millions of Canadians dealing with these conditions.

Under the agreement, HLS will be responsible for regulatory and commercialization activities and associated costs. Amarin is responsible for providing assistance towards local filings, supplying finished product, maintaining intellectual property and continuing the development and funding of REDUCE-IT.  Terms of the agreement include up-front and milestone payments to Amarin of up to US$65.0 million. These payments include a non-refundable upfront payment of US$5.0 million, as well as development, regulatory and sale-based milestones totaling up to an additional US$60.0 million.  The agreement also provides for HLS to pay Amarin tiered double digit royalties on net sales of Vascepa in Canada.  Amarin is obligated to supply finished product to HLS under negotiated supply terms. The agreement for supply and commercialization is for Canada only and includes all Canadian provinces.

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