The Basque pharmaceutical company Faes Farma has signed an agreement with MSD Spain, subsidiary of the American multinational Merck & Co., Inc. the second-largest pharmaceutical company in the world. Faes Farma gets the exclusive marketing rights for the anti-inflammatory product etoricoxib for Spain; while MSD will continue to market etoricoxib under the brand name Arcoxia in other countries.

Etoricoxib is an anti-inflammatory drug for the treatment of arthrosis, rheumatoid arthritis and pain and signs of inflammation in severe gout, as well as in ankylosing spondilitis, with improved digestive tolerability compared with traditional NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Etoricoxib is available in various forms with differing doses for each of the above conditions.

This important agreement will mean that Faes Farma will consolidate its portfolio in the area of traumatology and rheumatology, which together with its present products (ibandronate, calcium, vitamin D, etc.) will put Faes Farma in the forefront for osteoarthritic treatments, offering therapeutic alternatives that will improve patients’ quality of life and reduce side effects.

The choice of Faes Farma by such an important multinational as MSD means recognition for the company’s achievements and long track record in the Spanish pharmaceutical market.