By Fineline Cube 
Swiss firm Santhera Pharmaceuticals (SWX: SANN), a leader in innovative therapies for rare diseases, has announced the signing of an exclusive agreement with Uniphar to manage the distribution of AGAMREE (vamorolone) in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain. The drug is approved for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in patients four years of age and older.
Exclusive Distribution Agreement
Under this agreement, sales of AGAMREE are expected to begin on a named patient basis in Q1 2026, with broader commercial sales anticipated later in 2026 following market authorization and pricing agreements. Santhera will receive a percentage of net sales as payment, consistent with the company’s previous distribution agreements. This collaboration aims to ensure timely access to this innovative therapy for patients across these Middle Eastern countries.
About Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a rare X-linked recessive genetic disorder caused by mutations in the muscle dystrophin gene, leading to the loss of muscle dystrophin—a protein critical for maintaining muscle cell membrane stability. AGAMREE, a novel dissociative corticosteroid, offers therapeutic benefits comparable to traditional corticosteroids while providing significant clinical safety advantages, such as maintaining normal bone metabolism, bone density, and growth.
Licensing Deal with Sperogenix Therapeutics
AGAMREE was licensed by China-based Sperogenix Therapeutics Limited from Santhera in January 2022 under a deal involving an upfront payment of USD 20 million and potential milestone payments totaling USD 104 million. This partnership underscores the global interest in advancing innovative therapies for rare diseases like DMD.-Fineline Info & Tech