– Norgine B.V. announced today that it has expanded its agreement with Apharm s.r.l. to distribute ZIVEREL® in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK. In June 2015, Norgine and Apharm entered into an agreement to distribute ZIVEREL® in Spain, Australia and New Zealand.
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ZIVEREL® is a medical device (class III) used to maintain the integrity of the oesophageal mucosa to avoid the irritation of the oesophagus caused by stomach acid among other causes.
ZIVEREL® is a combination of hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate, which protects the oesophageal mucosa by an original mechanism.[i] The presence of a high bioadhesive capacity component (poloxamer 407) in the formulation increases the stability of contact between the chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid in the surface of the wall of the oesophagus and contributes to the protective effect against the action of hydrochloric acid and pepsin produced by the stomach. Chondroitin sulfate also has an action that promotes the repair process of the oesophageal mucosa.
Peter Martin, COO at Norgine said: “We are delighted to increase the number of countries in which ZIVEREL® will become available. This recent transaction exemplifies our partnering culture and commitment to acquire further specialised innovative products to be maximised through our well-established EU infrastructure.”
He added: “By ensuring ZIVEREL® is widely available in the EU, patients who suffer from gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms will have access to a new treatment option for a condition which is on the rise and that can have a significant impact on health-related quality of life and reduction in personal and work-related productivity.”
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is prevalent worldwide, and disease burden may be increasing. It affects up to 20% of the Western population[ii] and is associated with a range of risk factors.
ZIVEREL® is available in Spain. Norgine plans to launch ZIVEREL® in Australia and New Zealand in 2016 and in early 2017 in the newly added European markets.
Go to http://www.norgine.com to access release in full.
 
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i. Simone et al. Barrier effect of Esoxx®on esophageal mucosal damage: experimental study on ex-vivo swine model. Clin Exp Gastroenterology. 2012; 5: 103-17
ii. J Dent et al. Gut2005;54:710-717 doi:10.1136/gut.2004.051821. http://gut.bmj.com/content/54/5/710.full
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