21st Oct 2008 15:00
Issued: Tuesday 21 October 2008, London UK
GlaxoSmithKline to acquire the leading dry mouth brand, Biotene
- Move strengthens therapeutic oral healthcare portfolio
GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare announced today that it has reached an agreement with Laclede, a privately held company, to purchase the leading Dry Mouth brand Biotene® for $170 million. The transaction is subject to regulatory review by competition authorities in the United States and Europe, and is expected to complete by early 2009.
"The acquisition of Biotene extends our portfolio in therapeutic oral healthcare to include a proven treatment for Dry Mouth," said John Clarke, President, GSK Consumer Healthcare. "This opportunity leverages our global capability with dental and medical professionals and is a further step towards our goal in GSK of building and growing a diversified healthcare business."
Biotene is the world's number one dentist and hygienist-recommended Dry Mouth product for the growing population that suffers from this condition. Biotene is a brand in strong growth, with global sales in 2007 of around $50 million up 17%. Approximately 65% of the brand's current sales are in the United States.
Dry Mouth, a condition known as Xerostomia, is a significant health issue associated with chronic medical conditions that include diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome and Parkinson's disease. Additionally, cancer chemotherapy or radiation treatment, as well as any of more than 400 medications that, as a side-effect, can cause Dry Mouth. Globally, Dry Mouth is as prevalent as dental sensitivity, affecting around one-in-five adults.
Biotene joins a world-class portfolio of Oral Healthcare Brands, including:
Aquafresh®, Odol-med®, Binaca®, a leading range of toothpastes, toothbrushes, mouthwashes and whitening products
Corsodyl®, Chlorhexamed® gingivitis treatment
Paradontax, a toothpaste for healthy gums
Polident®, Corega®, a range of denture cleansers
PoliGrip®, Corega®, a range of denture adhesives
Sensodyne®, the leading toothpaste to treat dental hyper-sensitivity
How Biotene works
Biotene is a proprietary system founded on three enzymes: glucose oxidase, lactoperoxidase and lysozme, each found in healthy saliva. The augmentation of these enzymes through the introduction of Biotene into an oral healthcare regimen aids the symptomatic relief of Dry Mouth. The Biotene range includes mouthwash, toothpaste, gel, spray and gum formulations for convenient, effective relief. New innovation in 2008 added additional enzymes that attack and breakdown plaque biofilm.
GlaxoSmithKline - one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies - is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. For further information please visit www.gsk.com
Simon Bicknell
Company Secretary
21 October 2008
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Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statementsUnder the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, GSK cautions investors that any forward-looking statements or projections made by GSK, including those made in this announcement, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Factors that may affect GSK' s operations are described under 'Risk Factors' in the 'Business Review' in the company' s Annual Report on Form 20-F for 2007. |
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