LEO Pharma launches psoriasis franchise in the U.S.

Denmark-based LEO Pharma, a global leader in dermatology and critical care, announced its official launch in the U.S. Headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey, LEO Pharma U.S. will be one of the largest individual operations in the pharmaceutical company’s network of worldwide affiliates and is expected to contribute significantly to the company revenues in 2010. The U.S. operation will initially market the company’s psoriasis franchise.

“LEO Pharma’s treatments for skin disorders are already the market leaders in the United States, and our current portfolio combined with one of the strongest pipelines in dermatology has positioned LEO to become the leading pharmaceutical company in the American dermatology market and worldwide”

LEO Pharma recently reacquired U.S. marketing rights for its psoriasis treatments – TACLONEX®, TACLONEX® Scalp Topical Suspension, DOVONEX® Cream and DOVONEX® Scalp Solution from Warner Chilcott for $1 billion dollars. The company has employed a contract sales force and will begin marketing and selling these products in the U.S. effective Jan. 19, 2010.

“The launch of our new U.S. affiliate is part of LEO Pharma’s commitment to growth and strengthens the company’s long-term global vision of providing competitive drugs to patients and society. LEO wants continuously to provide improved treatment options and support the research and development of novel therapies to patients with skin diseases and disorders,” said Gitte Aabo, CEO and President of LEO Pharma. “The U.S. operation will be a cornerstone of our business, with plans to further expand into other top global markets.”

LEO Pharma has a robust pipeline including several products in late-stage clinical studies for psoriasis, eczema and – through a recent acquisition of Peplin Inc. – actinic (solar) keratosis, a common pre-cancerous skin lesion.

“LEO Pharma’s treatments for skin disorders are already the market leaders in the United States, and our current portfolio combined with one of the strongest pipelines in dermatology has positioned LEO to become the leading pharmaceutical company in the American dermatology market and worldwide,” said John Koconis, President and Chief Executive of LEO Pharma U.S. John Koconis is relocating from the United Kingdom where he previously led Leo Pharma's Dermatology Division and has been with LEO Pharma for over 10 years.