~ Novartis' Estradot®, a new-generation estrogen matrix patch, expected to make ERT delivery more accessible to Canadian women ~
DORVAL, Quebec (January 15, 2002) -- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. is announcing the launch of Estradot® (transdermal 17-beta estradiol), an advanced transdermal estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) patch for the relief of menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats and vaginal dryness and the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis.
"The introduction of Estradot® provides Canadian women with an exciting new option in estrogen replacement therapy," said Dr. Beat Sümegi, Vice President, Medical Affairs. "Estradot® is the smallest estrogen patch in the world with a state-of-the-art delivery system providing excellent skin adhesion and tolerability."
Estradot® is designed to release the same natural estrogen produced by women prior to menopause, smoothly, without peaks or troughs, and at a significantly lower dose than oral therapies. It is the world's smallest estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) patch, and is now available in Canada in four strengths (37.5, 50, 75, or 100 micrograms estradiol/day) to meet individual patient needs. At half the size of competing products, its advance over earlier transdermal product generations is expected to make estrogen replacement patch delivery more accessible and desirable for women.
Menopausal symptoms include hot flushes and night sweats, disturbed sleep, memory loss, and skin atrophy, as well as the potential for developing osteoporosis later in life. It is estimated that by 2005, 36% of women will be over the age of 50 and have a potential need for alleviation of distressing menopausal symptoms, which compromise their quality of life. Novartis pioneered transdermal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in the 1980s to meet the needs of peri- and post-menopausal women requiring relief from menopausal symptoms and protection against osteoporosis.
Developed and manufactured by Noven Pharmaceuticals Inc, based in the US, Estradot® is licensed by Novartis Pharma AG in all countries outside the US and Japan. In the US, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Noven market the product as Vivelle-Dot™ through their jointly-owned Women's Health company, Vivelle Ventures LLC (also known as Novogyne Pharmaceuticals). The US Food and Drug Administration granted VivelleDot™ marketing clearance in May 1999.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains certain forward-looking statements relating to the Company's business, which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "should," "will" or similar expressions, or by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions. Such statements include descriptions of company products and anticipated customer demand for such products. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions.
Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performances or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Some of these are uncertainties relating to unexpected regulatory delays, government regulation or competition in general, as well as factors discussed in the Company's Form 20F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated or expected.
About Novartis (NYSE:NVS)
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc., a leader in the healthcare field, is committed to the discovery, development and marketing of innovative products to improve the well being of all Canadians. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada conducts hundreds of clinical trials across the country seeking new treatments for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, organ transplantation and glaucoma. In 2000, the Company invested close to $34 million in research and development. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. employs over 600 people in Canada and its headquarters are located in Dorval, Quebec.
In addition to Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc., the Novartis Group in Canada consists of Novartis Animal Health Canada Inc., Novartis Consumer Health Canada Inc., (including Novartis Nutrition Corporation) and CIBA Vision Canada Inc. Worldwide in 2000, the Novartis Group's ongoing businesses achieved sales of $25.5 billion and a net income of $5.7 billion. The Group invested approximately $3.5 billion in R&D. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis employs about 70,000 people and operates in over 140 countries around the world.
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