China-based Luye Pharma Group has entered into an agreement with South Korea's Myung In Pharm, granting the latter the exclusive rights to commercialise Rivastigmine Twice Weekly Transdermal Patch in South Korea. Developed by Luye Pharma, this drug is used to treat mild to moderate dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Rivastigmine is a first-line treatment for mild to moderate AD. The Rivastigmine Twice Weekly Transdermal Patch employs an innovative drug delivery system for rivastigmine, it is administered transdermally twice a week.

Compared with the daily-use rivastigmine patches currently available in the marketplace, these patches are used less frequently, and therefore are able to increase patient compliance. Compared with oral formulations, transdermal patches allow rivastigmine to be absorbed by skin. This is convenient for patients with dysphagia or difficulty swallowing. Besides, patches also have the potential to reduce adverse gastrointestinal reactions such as nausea and vomiting.

Luye Pharma develops and commercialises its Rivastigmine Twice Weekly Transdermal Patch globally. The product has been approved for marketing in multiple European countries and China. The company is also collaborating with local partners in some European countries as well as Japan, China, Mexico and Thailand to develop or commercialise the product.