Core Viewpoint - Santhera Pharmaceuticals has signed an exclusive agreement with Uniphar for the distribution of AGAMREE® (vamorolone) in several Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, aiming to provide treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients aged four and older, with sales expected to start in Q1 2026 [1][2]. Group 1: Agreement Details - The agreement allows Uniphar to manage the distribution of AGAMREE in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain, with sales beginning on a named patient basis in early 2026 and broader commercial sales anticipated later that year [1]. - Santhera will receive a percentage of net sales as payment, consistent with previous distribution agreements [1]. Group 2: Company Commitment and Strategy - Santhera's CEO expressed excitement about the partnership, highlighting Uniphar's regional presence and expertise in addressing the unmet needs of DMD patients in the GCC [2]. - The agreement is part of Santhera's global expansion strategy, which includes multiple regions across North America, Europe, and Asia [2]. Group 3: Product Information - AGAMREE is a novel drug that acts on the same receptor as glucocorticoids but modifies its downstream activity, potentially dissociating efficacy from steroid safety concerns [3]. - In the pivotal VISION-DMD study, AGAMREE met its primary endpoint and demonstrated a good safety profile, with common side effects being mild to moderate [4]. Group 4: Market Position and Regulatory Status - AGAMREE is approved in various regions, including the U.S., EU, UK, China, and Hong Kong, and is positioned as an alternative to existing corticosteroids for DMD treatment [8]. - Santhera has out-licensed rights to AGAMREE for North America and parts of Asia, indicating a strategic approach to market penetration [8].

Core Insights - Santhera Pharmaceuticals has made significant progress in the commercial rollout of AGAMREE® for the treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), with funding from NHS England now available for prescribing in England [1][2] - AGAMREE has received positive final guidance from NICE, and initial sales have already been achieved in Scotland and Wales [1][2] - Kye Pharmaceuticals, a sub-licensee of Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, has received acceptance from Health Canada for AGAMREE's New Drug Submission with Priority Review, potentially leading to its approval as the first treatment for DMD in Canada by the end of 2025 [2] Product Overview - AGAMREE (vamorolone) is a novel drug that binds to the same receptor as glucocorticoids but modifies its downstream activity, positioning it as a dissociative anti-inflammatory drug and an alternative to existing corticosteroids [3][7] - The pivotal VISION-DMD study demonstrated that AGAMREE met the primary endpoint of Time to Stand (TTSTAND) velocity versus placebo (p=0.002) at 24 weeks, with a good safety and tolerability profile [4][5] - Unlike corticosteroids, AGAMREE shows no restriction of growth and has no negative effects on bone metabolism, as indicated by normal serum markers for bone formation and resorption [5] Company Background - Santhera Pharmaceuticals is a Swiss specialty pharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing innovative medicines for rare neuromuscular diseases with high unmet medical needs [7] - The company holds an exclusive license for AGAMREE for all indications worldwide and has out-licensed rights for North America to Catalyst Pharmaceuticals and for China and certain Southeast Asian countries to Sperogenix Therapeutics [7][9]