Dec 22 2009
QLT Inc. (NASDAQ: QLTI; TSX: QLT) ("QLT" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the establishment of its commercial presence in the United States through a newly formed U.S. subsidiary, QLT Ophthalmics, Inc. ("QOI"). QOI will take on the sales and marketing of Visudyne(R) in the U.S. from Novartis Pharma AG ("Novartis") effective January 1, 2010 as a result of the Amended and Restated PDT Product Development, Manufacturing and Distribution Agreement with Novartis, previously announced on October 19, 2009, under which QLT will receive exclusive U.S. rights to the Visudyne patents to sell and market Visudyne in the U.S. Novartis will remain responsible for the distribution, sale and marketing of Visudyne in all other countries where the product is sold.
Scott Jones has joined QOI as Director, Commercial Operations, to manage the operations of the business unit, including those of the Visudyne sales force. Prior to joining QOI, Mr. Jones served in multiple positions within Novartis AG, most recently serving as Executive Director, Health Policy. Previously, Mr. Jones also held positions in Novartis Ophthalmics Inc., Novartis Tissue Engineering, and Novartis Transplant/Immunology and began his career in sales at Ciba/Geigy Pharmaceuticals.
"We are excited to announce the formation of a direct sales force that will focus on U.S. Visudyne sales. This is an important milestone in the history of the Company, and could pave the way for expansion of commercial operations with other ocular products," said Bob Butchofsky, President and Chief Executive Officer of QLT. "QOI is committed to ensure Visudyne remains a valuable treatment option for the millions of patients that have been or will be treated for wet age-related macular degeneration."