(May 10, 2012) – Lantheus Medical Imaging, Inc., a global leader in developing, manufacturing and distributing innovative diagnostic imaging agents, yesterday announced new manufacturing and supply agreements with Jubilant HollisterStier LLC (JHS). Under separate agreements, JHS will manufacture Cardiolite® products and Neurolite®, each for an initial term of five years and each with an option to renew for an additional five years thereafter.
In February 2012, Lantheus entered a similar agreement with JHS to manufacture DEFINITY® Vial. Cardiolite® and Neurolite® are technetium-based radiopharmaceutical imaging agents used in single-photon emission computed tomography, or SPECT. DEFINITY® is an ultrasound contrast agent for use in patients with suboptimal echocardiograms.
“Our agreements with JHS are a vital component of a multi-pronged effort to secure the long-term supply of our product portfolio and diversify our supply chain to better position us for the future” said Don Kiepert, President and Chief Executive Officer, Lantheus Medical Imaging. “We look forward to working with JHS, which has proven expertise in this specialized category and a shared commitment to deliver the highest quality products to our customers and patients.”
Cardiolite®, Neurolite® and DEFINITY® are currently manufactured by Ben Venue Laboratories (BVL). In addition to enlisting JHS to eventually become its primary replacement manufacturer, Lantheus is working to secure secondary manufacturers for Cardiolite®, Neurolite® and DEFINITY® by the end of 2013 as BVL transitions out of the contract manufacturing services business over the next couple of years.
“We’re pleased to team up with Jubilant HollisterStier to lead the manufacturing and supply of our core products” said Bill Dawes, Vice President of Manufacturing and Supply Chain, Lantheus Medical Imaging. “We are in the final stages of completing technology transfer for DEFINITY® and will be working closely with the company to expedite similar processes for the manufacture of Cardiolite® and Neurolite®.”
“We are pleased to offer our support in the manufacture of these important products. Lantheus and Jubilant HollisterStier share a dedication to quality and commitment to providing safe and effective drug products. We look forward to working together to bring these innovative products to market” said Marcelo Morales, Chief Executive Officer, and Jubilant HollisterStier.
About Cardiolite®
Cardiolite® (Kit for the Preparation of Technetium Tc99m Sestamibi for Injection) is one of the most widely-used cardiac imaging agents and has been used to image more than 40 million patients.1 For almost two decades, Cardiolite® has played a vital role in the diagnosis and management of patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease.
About Neurolite®
Neurolite® (Kit for the Preparation of Technetium Tc99m Bicisate for Injection) is a SPECT brain imaging agent for localization of stroke in patients in whom stroke has already been diagnosed.
About DEFINITY®
DEFINITY® Vial for (Perflutren Lipid Microsphere) Injectable Suspension is an ultrasound contrast agent for use in patients with suboptimal echocardiograms.
About Lantheus Medical Imaging, Inc.
Lantheus Medical Imaging, Inc., a global leader in developing, manufacturing and distributing innovative diagnostic imaging agents, is dedicated to creating and providing pioneering medical imaging solutions to improve the treatment of human disease. The Company’s proven success in the field of diagnostic imaging provides a strong platform from which to bring forward breakthrough new tools for the diagnosis and management of disease. Lantheus has approximately 600 employees worldwide with headquarters in North Billerica, Massachusetts, and offices in Puerto Rico, Canada and Australia. For more information, visit www.lantheus.com.
CONTACTS:
Lantheus Medical Imaging
Linda Lennox
978-671-8854
Meara Murphy
978-671-8508
Pure Communications
Michele Rozen
617-730-8284
