Singapore: J Uriach & Cia, a Barcelona-based Grupo Uriach company, and Singapore's sales and marketing company Hyphens Pharma have included Rupafin oral solution into their expanded collaboration in South East Asia.

The collaboration was originally on commercialization of Rupafin tablets for allergic rhinitis and urticaria in adults. This partnership has now been extended to include the oral solution for children. In this extended relationship, Uriach will manufacture and supply both products. Hyphens will register and market these products in Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam. No financial details were disclosed.

"This agreement reinforces the connection between the two companies in order to relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis in a large part of the world, whether in children or adults," said Grupo Uriach's Executive Chairman Mr Enrique Uriach. "We are proud to expand our business in Asia, which is part of our plan for continuous growth and expansion."

"There is a growing prevalence of allergic disease in our region. Problem such as persistent allergic rhinitis has a significant impact on the quality of life of school-going children. We are thus delighted to have this opportunity to bring Rupafin oral solution to our children suffering from allergic rhinitis," said Mr Lim See Wah, managing director of Hyphens. "With its fast onset and well-proven safety profile, we are hopeful that it will be welcomed by doctors and patients alike."

In February 2012, Rupafin (rupatadine) oral solution was authorized in 22 European Union countries for treatment of allergic rhinitis, including persistent allergic rhinitis, in children aged 6 to 11 years. It is a novel non-sedating second generation antihistamine. Pharmacologically, Rupafin exhibits a strong antagonist activity towards both histamine H1 receptors and platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptors. Clinical studies have demonstrated that Rupafin has a rapid onset of action and long-lasting effect permitting once-daily dosing.