Amring Changes Name to Nordic Pharma, Inc. Amid Ownership Change

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Amring Pharmaceuticals announced that it has officially changed its name to Nordic Pharma, Inc. According to the company, the change aims to provide better association between its parent company, Nordic Group, B.V., and other divisions. As part of the rebranding, the group hopes to expand globally in areas such as eye care, rheumatology, women’s health, and branded products, while also boosting its generic product segment in the United States.¹

“I'm excited to be leading Nordic Pharma U.S. at this dynamic stage of the company as we continue focusing on providing quality generics to our customers and their patients in the U.S. while building out an innovative proprietary ophthalmic business,” said Philip Gioia, president, Nordic Pharma US, in a press release. “The timing could not be better as new ophthalmic innovations are becoming near-term ready for commercialization and I believe Nordic Pharma can capitalize and compete effectively as a newer specialty ophthalmic player in the US and globally.”

Aside from the name change, Nordic Pharma recently acquired Visant Medical, Inc., incorporating its FDA-cleared Lacrifill canalicular gel, a dry eye disease (DED) treatment into its product pipeline. It is expected to launch in the United States during the second quarter of this year.¹

“The strategic acquisition and merger of the US business unit is a cornerstone of Nordic Pharma's global expansion,” said Charlotte Phelps, CEO, Nordic Pharma, in the release. “With a range of ophthalmology products currently in phase II development, combining this with our existing assets and leveraging the expertise of our US leadership in ophthalmics is imperative for driving the success of these programs.”

Nordic Pharma officially completed its acquisition of Visant last December. Reportedly, the medication intends to temporarily block tear drainage by the occlusion of the canalicular system. It is also the second branded medical device to be introduced by Nordic Pharma.²

“We’re ecstatic Visant Medical selected Nordic Pharma as their partner and for the opportunity to introduce Lacrifill to the ophthalmologists and optometrists treating the over 16 million people diagnosed with DED in the US,” said Gioia. “Lacrifill represents an innovative and elegant form factor to occlude that should become the gold standard for preoperative patient care for those with DED.”

According to an additional press release, Lacrifill has been approved for FDA 510(k) clearance and Current Procedural Terminology reimbursement code that has been established.²

“Visant is thrilled to be joining the Nordic Pharma group,” said Vartan Ghazarossian, PhD, co-founder, CEO, Visant, in the previously mentioned release. “Our team has been passionate about bringing a truly innovative solution to patients suffering from DED and we are excited to be joining the Nordic Pharma team as we begin our commercialization efforts.”

References

1. Amring Pharmaceuticals Inc. Announces Name Change to Nordic Pharma, Inc. Under New Nordic Group, B.V. Ownership. Business Wire. March 4, 2024. Accessed March 4, 2024. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240304831076/en/Amring-Pharmaceuticals-Inc.-Announces-Name-Change-to-Nordic-Pharma-Inc.-Under-New-Nordic-Group-B.V.-Ownership

2. NORDIC PHARMA GROUP B.V. THROUGH ITS SUBSIDIARY AMRING PHARMACEUTICALS INC., COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF VISANT MEDICAL TO LAUNCH NOVEL THERAPY FOR DRY EYE DISEASE IN THE UNITED STATES. Nordic Pharma. December 18, 2023. Accessed March 4, 2024. https://www.nordicpharma.com/nordic-pharma-group-b-v-through-its-subsidiary-amring-pharmaceuticals-inc-completes-acquisition-of-visant-medical-to-launch-novel-therapy-for-dry-eye-disease-in-the-united-states/