Deal covers China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and Vietnam.

Nycomed will market Roche’s osteoporosis treatment Bonviva in several Asian countries under a licensing and supply agreement signed by the companies. The markets include China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Nycomed also holds a future option to commercialize Bonviva in additional Asia-Pacific territories. Bonviva is a bisphosphonate indicated for use in postmenopausal women.

The agreement is Nycomed’s latest move intended to strengthen its bone health business in Asia. The company recently opened offices in China, South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines; repatriated its own core brands; and licensed products from other companies.

In November 2010, Nycomed acquired a majority stake in China’s Guangdong Techpool Bio-Pharma, which specializes in protein-based therapies. The acquisition was designed to increase the company’s commitment to the Chinese market.

“The in-licensing of Bonviva from Roche is another important step towards Nycomed’s expansion in the Asia-Pacific region and demonstrates our growing attraction as a marketing partner for leading companies and brands in these dynamic countries,” states Guido Oelkers, Nycomed’s evp, commercial operations.

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