Santen launches its own Subsidiary in Italy

Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Osaka, Japan) (Santen) announced its new wholly owned subsidiary in Italy.

Following the acquisition of Merck & Co., Inc. (Whitehouse Station, NJ, USA, known as MSD outside of the U.S.A and Canada) (Merck) Glaucoma franchise, Santen commercial team is launched in Italy to promote products SAFLUTAN® and COSOPT®.

As a specialty company dedicated to ophthalmology for over 120 years, Santen delivers products to customers in more than 50 countries. Thanks to Merck’s transaction in ophthalmology, Santen has strengthened its lineup of glaucoma products and expands its footprint in Europe.

The launch of its own sales force in Italy crystallizes Santen’s long term corporate vision to become “a specialized pharmaceutical company with a global presence”. It comes on the heels of Santen’s latest initiatives that the company has increased its presence in Germany, North Europe, then in Central and East Europe, and more recently in France. Italian launch paves the way for future launch of Santen’s new products in the country.

Santen has established franchise focusing on Glaucoma and Dry eye and develops innovative products in both indications to satisfy unmet medical needs and to improve patients’ quality of life.

“Santen has forged strong relationships with renowned Key Opinion Leaders in ophthalmology in Italy. The Company has promoted numerous investigator-led clinical trials in this country and built a solid supportive base towards the patients.” Paolo Guffanti, VP Commercial Operations Europe, added: “The launch of our sales force in Italy reinforces Santen’s commitment to provide ophthalmologists and patients with innovative products and to ensure reliable and consistent disease management.”

Masamichi Sato, Head of Santen European group and President of Santen Holdings EU BV, concluded: “Our expansion in Italy is an important step in achieving global presence in Europe. This initiative will allow Santen to promote its complete portfolio of products throughout Europe. Launch of Commercial teams in other European countries such as UK and Spain is expected to take place in the next few months.”