Zambon and Seqirus partner for Parkinson's disease product in Australia and New Zealand

Italian company Zambon and Australian-based Seqirus have collaborated for Parkinson's disease (PD) product, Xadago, in Australia and New Zealand.

As part of the partnership, Zambon will be responsible for the product supply, while Seqirus will undertake its registration and commercialisation.

Seqirus has gained exclusive rights to commercialise Zambon’s Parkinson’s disease product, licensed from Newron Pharmaceuticals.

The partnership reinforces Zambon commitment to develop and bring new central nervous system (CNS) options to patients.

Seqirus commercial operations vice-president Dr Lorna Meldrum said: "We recognise that access to more therapy options is very important to Australian healthcare professionals and Parkinson’s sufferers.

"We are delighted to work with Zambon for the distribution, marketing and sales of Zambon’s Parkinson’s product, which is an important addition to Seqirus’ growing product range and further strengthens our broad portfolio of in-licensed medicines in Australia."

About 70,000 Australians are living with PD, one of the most common neurological illnesses in the country and a chronic, progressive, incurable, complex and disabling neurological condition.

In many cases, the disease results in impaired speech and leads to various mental health issues, such as depression and problems with memory and sleep.

PD affects 1%-2% of worldwide individuals older than 65, and its prevalence is expected to grow in the next few years due to the increase in the global population.

The diagnosis of this disease is primarily based on observational criteria of muscular rigidity, resting tremor, or postural instability in combination with bradykinesia.