Jun 21, 2016

Chugai and Maruho Announce the Launch of
"Marduox® Ointment," for Psoriasis Vulgaris
(Combination Topical Ointment)

TOKYO, June 21, 2016 -- Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (TOKYO: 4519) and Maruho Co., Ltd. announced today that both companies launched "Marduox® Ointment" (Marduox) for the indication of psoriasis vulgaris, which had been jointly developed by Chugai and Maruho, and acquired the marketing approval in March 2016.

Marduox is a topical preparation combining maxacalcitol, an active vitamin D3 derivative developed by Chugai, and the corticosteroid betamethasone butyrate propionate. Both drugs are indicated for psoriasis vulgaris and are clinically used individually or together for the treatment of the disease. Marduox had been developed as an easy-to-use combination drug that leverages the advantages of these drugs and at the same time improves the issues associated with concomitant uses of multiple topical drugs.

The collaboration between Chugai and Maruho started with the launch of “Oxarol® Ointment 25μg/g” in 2001, which contains maxacalcitol as an active ingredient, and followed by the launch of “Oxarol® Lotion 25μg/g” in 2007. Maruho has marketed these drugs.

Maruho which specializes in the dermatology area and Chugai, the originator of this product, are convinced that Marduox will provide better treatment for patients suffering from psoriasis vulgaris.

Product summary of "Marduox® Ointment"

Nonproprietary name: Maxacalcitol/Betamethasone butyrate propionate
Dosage form and strength: Marduox is an ointment that contains (per 1 g) 25 μg of maxacalcitol and 0.5 mg of betamethasone butyrate propionate.
Indication: Psoriasis vulgaris
Dosage and administration: Apply a proper quantity of Marduox once daily on the affected site.
Package: Tube; 10 g x 1, 10 g x 10
Drug Price: 231.00 yen per 1 g
Date of Approval: March 28, 2016
Date of NHI Drug Price Listing: May 25, 2016
Date of launch: June 21, 2016
Manufacturer: Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

About psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease classified under the inflammatory keratosis category. It is a disease having two aspects: inflammation of the skin and abnormal metabolism of the epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin). It is divided into five types according to symptoms, and approximately 90% of cases are psoriasis vulgaris. In Japan, 430,000 people, accounting for 0.3% of the population, are reported to be affected. As a typical symptom, silver-white scales resembling thin scabs are attached to red-colored eruptions elevated slightly from the skin, and these scales flake off like dandruff. In Japanese, psoriasis is called kansen, which phonetically can also mean “infection or infectious disease.” Thus, psoriasis is often misunderstood to be infectious. However, it is not a contagious disease. It is a chronic disease, and difficult to be cured with currently available treatment. Topical medicine and other drugs are mainly used to control the symptoms.

About Chugai Pharmaceutical

Chugai Pharmaceutical is one of Japan’s leading research-based pharmaceutical companies with strengths in biotechnology products. Chugai, based in Tokyo, specializes in prescription pharmaceuticals and is listed on the 1st section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. As an important member of the Roche Group, Chugai is actively involved in R&D activities in Japan and abroad. Specifically, Chugai is working to develop innovative products which may satisfy the unmet medical needs, mainly focusing on the oncology area. The consolidated revenue in 2015 of Chugai totaled 498.8 billion yen and the operating income was 90.7 billion yen (IFRS Core basis).
Additional information is available on the internet at http://www.chugai-pharm.co.jp/english.

About Maruho

Maruho has its headquarters in Osaka and leads Japan in research and development, manufacturing and commercialization of dermatological products. Founded in 1915, Maruho has 1,335 employees (as of the end of September 2015) and net sales were 67.0 billion yen in its 2015 fiscal year. Pursuing its long-term corporate vision of “Excellence in Dermatology”, Maruho is striving to improve the health and quality of life of people all over the world.
Additional information is available on the internet at https://www.maruho.co.jp/english.

For inquiries:

  • Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
  • Media Relations Group
  • Corporate Communications Dept.
  • Tel: +81-(0)3-3273-0881
  • Fax: +81-(0)3-3281-6607
  • mailto: pr@chugai-pharm.co.jp
  • Maruho Co., Ltd.
  • Takeshi Nishio
  • Public Relations Dept.
  • Tel: +81-(0)6-6371-8831
  • Fax: +81-(0)6-6376-1724
  • mailto: kouhou@mii.maruho.co.jp
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