Hikma prepares to launch colchicine 0.6mg capsules in the US market

Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC ("Hikma") (LSE: HIK) (NASDAQ Dubai: HIK) (OTC: HKMPY), the fast growing multinational pharmaceutical group, today notes that Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A. Inc. ("Takeda") has been unsuccessful in appealing the decision by the United States District Court for the District of Delaware to deny Takeda's motion for a preliminary injunction in relation to the distribution of Hikma's colchicine 0.6mg capsules for the prophylaxis of gout flares in adults. The injunction, which was granted to Takeda on 9 October 2014, has been vacated.

Hikma will now prepare to distribute its colchicine, which it will market under the brand name MITIGARE™. Hikma will also be preparing to launch an authorised generic of MITIGARE™, increasing patient access to this important product.

Said Darwazah, Chairman and CEO of Hikma, said:

"I am very pleased to be launching our colchicine products, demonstrating our success in developing a more differentiated product portfolio for the US market."

According to IMS Health, sales of colchicine in the US market were approximately $688 million for the 12 months ending August 2014.