São Paulo, february 2023 – Eurofarma, the pharmaceutical company that invests most in innovation in Brazil, announces the arrival of a new drug in its portfolio. Nuvyor is the first similar molecule in the Brazilian market and is used in the treatment of multiple myeloma - a disease that affects plasma cells, bone marrow cells responsible for the production of antibodies that fight infections. The drug, which is developed and manufactured by Lotus Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd (“Lotus”), out-licensed by Adalvo and approved in June 2022 by Anvisa, arrived at hospitals and clinics in October, offering more accessibility, since the expected value is 15% lower than that practiced by the reference drug.

The arrival of Nuvyor (lenalidomide) also marks the strengthening of Eurofarma in the oncologic hematology market, which until then already had the drugs Fiprima (brazil's first biosimilar), Doxorubicin and Imatinib Mesilate. To bring the product to Brazil, the pharmaceutical company partnered with Lotus, the largest oral oncology generic company in Taiwan, and Adalvo, one of the top out-licensing companies considering the relevance of lenalidomide and its forecast in the main treatment protocols of the disease. The company's projection with the arrival of the new product is to almost double the current revenue of the Oncology Unit. (1,5)

Epidemiology

In Brazil, there is little epidemiological information on multiple myeloma. The National Cancer Institute itself (INCA) does not have the incidence data for this type of disease, but studies indicate that it affects one in 100,000 Brazilians, usually diagnosed over 65 years after an occurrence of bone fracture, deep anemia or kidney problems, such as insufficiency - side effects of the disease and that can hinder the diagnosis,  may be confused with osteoporosis or even with the typical signs of aging. In general, the final diagnosis takes three to six months, according to data from the Brazilian Association of Lymphoma and Leukemia (Abrale). Treatment usually begins after the onset of symptoms and costs reach R$ 1.8 billion in the country.

The arrival of Nuvyor (lenalidomide) to the market represents a safe and cost-effective alternative in the administration of multiple myeloma. In addition, the strategic partnership with Lotus and Adalvo has enhanced the accessibility of the drug since there is no known cure for the disease. With the correct treatment and medical follow-up, patients may have good life expectancy and quality of life, in addition to a lower rate of complications due to the disease.

References

1Dimopoulos M, Spencer A, Attal M et al.  Lenalidomide plus dexamethasone for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. N Engl J Med 2007;357(21):2123-2132.

2Weber DM, Chen C, Niesvizky R et al. Lenalidomide plus dexamethasone for relapsed multiple myeloma in North America. N Engl J Med 2007;357(21):2133-2142.

3Dimopoulos MA, Chen C, Spencer A et al. Long-term follow-up on overall survival from the MM-009 and MM-010 phase III trials of lenalidomide plus dexamethasone in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Leukemia 2009;23(11):2147-2152.

4Weber DM, Knight R, Chen C. Prolonged Overall Survival with Lenalidomide Plus Dexamethasone Compared with Dexamethasone Alone in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma. Blood (ASH Annual Meeting Abstracts) 2007; 110: 412.

5Pierre Fenaux, et al. A randomized phase 3 study of lenalidomide versus placebo in RBC transfusion-dependent patients with Low-/Intermediate-1-risk myelodysplastic syndromes with del5q. Blood, 6 October 2011, Volume 118, Number 14.

About Eurofarma Group

The Eurofarma Group has been operating in the healthcare industry for over 50 years, producing and marketing innovative products and services to improve people’s quality of life. With diversified operations, it operates in all major segments, such as Medical Prescription, Over-the-Counter, Generic, Hospital and Oncology, in addition to exporting and outsourcing medications. In Brazil alone, it offers more than 430 products, serves all medical specialties and covers upwards of 200 therapeutic classes, accounting for 80% of the total market.

The Eurofarma Group is present in 21 countries, with 10 manufacturing plants in Latin America. Reported net sales totaled BRL 7 billion in 2021 and the Group employs over 8,800 people. In 2022, it completed two important acquisitions: Canonne Laboratories, which owns the Valda brand, and Medimetriks Pharmaceuticals, Inc., which marked its entry into the U.S. market, in addition to the license agreement with SK Biopharmaceuticals to sell cenobamate throughout Latin America.

About Lotus

Founded in 1966, Lotus (1795: TT)  is international pharmaceutical company with global presence, focused on commercializing novel and generic pharmaceuticals, offering patients better, safe and more accessible medicines. The Company has a recognized best-in-class R&D and manufacturing platform in Asia and has established partnerships in nearly every global market including the U.S., Europe, Japan, China, and Brazil. Lotus runs over 100 strategically selected pharmaceutical projects in development and registrations across Asia and the US, with over 250 commercial products. The Company invests in diversified  best portfolio consisting of high-barrier oncology, complex generics as well as 505(b)2 and NCE via internal R&D investment and licensing-in partnership,[JT1]  and also strengthens its portfolio competitiveness by adding biosimilar products with support from strategic partners.

About Adalvo

Adalvo is a global pharmaceutical company, and one of the leading B2B pharmaceutical companies in Europe, with commercial partnerships in more than 100 countries and for over 110 commercial partners globally. The company’s declared purpose is to make a difference for patients all over the world, driven by our smart collaboration network and commitment to delivering highest quality differentiated products and services to our partners. 

With headquarters in Malta, the company has additional offices in more than 16 countries. At Adalvo, we know that our partners like to be bigger, better, and smarter in the dynamic pharmaceutical sector. That’s why our approach is unique, customized to our partners, and is designed to challenge the status quo: together, this helps our partners achieve their business goals.

We take pride in our ability to help its partners reach their goals – be those increasing revenues or pushing into new markets. While partners are a high priority, Adalvo is also committed to its purpose and mission to accelerate the growth and development of employees and local communities. Adalvo tirelessly strives for excellence in all of its endeavors, driven by a deep-rooted passion to making a difference for partners. The company’s purpose driven culture is committed to improving the lives of patients around the world. Our dynamic leadership team brings significant experience and industry know-how to Adalvo, which has helped to establish the company as a reliable global partner.

Eurofarma on social networks

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Press Information

G&A - Public Relations

Carolina Carone - 11 98578-1604 - carolina.carone@gaspar.com.br

Guilherme Gaspar - 11 98285-6000 - guilherme@gaspar.com.br

Lotus Contact

Angela Luan, Investor Relations Director   +886 2 2700 5908  investor@lotuspharm.com

Adalvo Contact

Gabi Cassar, gabrielle.cassar@adalvo.com