News Release
August 20, 2024
Organon & Lilly Expand Migraine Commercialization Agreement to 11 Additional Markets
The agreement builds on Organon’s global product portfolio for conditions that impact women disproportionately. Women are three times more likely to experience migraine than men1
Download Press ReleaseKirkland, Québec — August 20, 2024 — Organon (NYSE: OGN), a global healthcare company with a focus on women’s health, announced it has expanded its agreement with Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly) to become the sole distributor and promoter for the migraine medicine EMGALITY® (galcanezumab) in the following additional markets: Canada, Colombia, Israel, South Korea, Kuwait, Mexico, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. This expanded partnership builds on Organon’s role as sole distributor and promoter of EMGALITY® in Europe since February 2024.
EMGALITY®, a humanized monoclonal antibody calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonist, is indicated for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults, and in some markets, the indication specifies prophylaxis for those with at least four migraine days per month. EMGALITY® is also indicated in some markets for the treatment of episodic cluster headache in adults.
“The broadening of this agreement is a testament to Organon’s best-in-class commercialization capabilities, global footprint and deep expertise in women’s health,” said Kevin Ali, Organon CEO. “We know that migraine ranks as the leading cause of disability among young women2 and we’re proud to expand our offering to more women and men around the world living with episodic or chronic migraine.”
Migraine is one of the most prevalent neurological disorder worldwide3 causing recurrent moderate-to-severe headaches, often accompanied by other debilitating symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.1 Untreated migraine attacks can last from four to 72 hours.1 Many of these symptoms can still be experienced between migraine attacks, although less frequently and with less intensity, contributing to a reduced quality of life and causing worry for patients in anticipation of the next attack.4,5
“We are thrilled to expand this collaboration agreement with Organon,” said Ilya Yuffa, executive vice president of Eli Lilly and Company and president of Lilly International. “We’re confident in our shared mission to bring this important migraine treatment to more patients around the world.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Organon will become the sole distributor and promoter of EMGALITY® in the following additional markets: Canada, Colombia, Israel, South Korea, Kuwait, Mexico, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. Lilly will remain the marketing authorization holder and will manufacture the product for sale.
Total consideration to be paid to Lilly for the expansion of territory includes an upfront payment of $22.5 million as well as sales-based milestone payments.
About EMGALITY®
EMGALITY® is a monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP).
About Organon
Organon is a global healthcare company formed to focus on improving the health of women throughout their lives. Organon offers more than 60 medicines and products in women’s health in addition to a growing biosimilars business and a large franchise of established medicines across a range of therapeutic areas. Organon’s existing products produce strong cash flows that support investments in innovation and future growth opportunities in women’s health and biosimilars. In addition, Organon is pursuing opportunities to collaborate with biopharmaceutical innovators looking to commercialize their products by leveraging its scale and presence in fast growing international markets.
Organon has a global footprint with significant scale and geographic reach, world-class commercial capabilities, and approximately 10,000 employees with headquarters located in Jersey City, New Jersey.
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EMGALITY® is a registered trademark owned or licensed by Eli Lilly and Company, its subsidiaries, or affiliates.
References: 1. Allais G, et al. Gender-related differences in migraine. Neurol Sci. 2020;41 (Suppl 2): 429-436. 2. Steiner, T.J., Stovner, L.J., Jensen, R. et al. Migraine remains second among the world’s causes of disability, and first among young women: findings from GBD2019. J Headache Pain 21, 137 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s10194-020-01208-0. 3. Global, regional, and national burden of disorders affecting the nervous system, 1990–2021: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. Lancet Neurol. 2024; 23: 344–81. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1474-4422(24)00038-3. 4. Vincent M, et al. The not so hidden impact of interictal burden in migraine: A narrative review. Front Neurol. 2022;13:1032103. 5. Brandes JL. The migraine cycle: patient burden of migraine during and between migraine attacks. Headache. 2008;48(3):430-441. doi:10.1111/j.1526-4610.2007.01004.x.