EQL Pharma signs a distribution agreement with a large distributor in the GCC countries for Mellozzan (melatonin)

EQL has entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Pharmalink for its product Mellozzan (melatonin) for the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) region comprising of United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain. "EQL has previously signed many agreements with parties for EU territories, but this is a milestone as it is our first agreement with the sale of one of our products outside the borders of Europe," says Axel Schörling, CEO at EQL Pharma.

Mellozzan contains the sleep hormone melatonin and is indicated for children who have ADHD and suffer from sleep difficulties, where so-called sleep hygiene measures have not helped. Mellozzan will likely be the first melatonin product in the GCC region with that paediatric indication. The drug is also indicated for the short-term treatment of jet lag in adults.

"We are of course extremely happy about this agreement", says Axel Schörling. "The GCC region includes six countries with a total of over 59 million inhabitants. The vast experience of Pharmalink, responsible for the local marketing, sales and distribution activities, means that a great many children and their caretakers will have the opportunity for a good night's sleep, which has a huge impact on quality of life and schooling".

EQL will be the Marketing Authorization Holder for Mellozzan in the GCC territory, making this deal a significant step in establishing EQL’s presence outside the European Union. For the commercial supply, a transfer price will be applied that generates market-wise margins for EQL.

For the exclusive rights to sell and distribute both the Mellozzan tablets and oral solution in the GCC territories Pharmalink will pay EQL a six-figure EUR fee divided into four milestone payments.

Pharmalink is located in the UAE with approx. 1400 employees specialized in marketing, selling and distributing pharmaceuticals across the GCC region. Apart from supplying pharmaceuticals through their two large warehouses (approx. 9300m2), Pharmalink also provides sales and marketing services with a 270 people strong sales force as well as more than 200 pharmacies in the two wholly owned pharmacy chains Medicina Pharmacy Group and Al Manara Pharmacy.

EQL Pharma has ongoing negotiations for more agreements on Mellozzan with other players in and outside of Europe.