Mundipharma to distribute Grünenthal’s pain-relief drug in China

German firm Grünenthal has signed a license and distribution deal with Mundipharma for the former’s analgesic Tramal (tramadol).

From May 1, Mundipharma will take over the marketing and distribution of the drug – designed to treat moderate to severe pain – from an unnamed partner.

“Mundipharma and Grünenthal already have several established partnerships around the world, however in China the companies have not worked together so far,” a Grünenthal spokesperson told us.

The commercial partnership covers Tramal sustained release tablets, immediate release capsules, and an intravenous formulation designed for use post-operation (patient controlled intravenous analgesia).

“Tramal combines multiple modes of action, which bring benefits including effectiveness on both nociceptive and neuropathic pain, a good tolerability profile and so on,” the spokesperson told us.

“Given Mundipharma’s strong commitment and experience in pain management in China, we hope to make Tramal available for even more Chinese pain-patients in need of effective medication,” said Grünenthal CEO Gabriel Baertschi.

Mundipharma CEO Raman Singh said the firm is pleased to extend its relationship with Grünenthal, and to advance the treatment of patients in China – where he said there remains an unmet patient need.

“Both organisations are committed to ensuring the responsible use of analgesic medications to treat post-operative patients when other options provide insufficient relief,” he added.

In September last year, Janssen selected Mundipharma to sell, market and promote its diabetes medicines.