Eurand, Nycomed reach deal to sell, distribute Zenpep in Russia, other countries

Pharmaceutical company Eurand N.V. said Wednesday it reached an agreement with Nycomed to sell and distribute Zenpep in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States as well as Georgia and Mongolia. Deal terms were not disclosed.

Zenpep is a pancreatic enzyme that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and treats pancreatic insufficiency in patients with cystic fibrosis or conditions like chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.

Eurand, which is based in Amsterdam, markets Zenpep in the United States.

Nycomed is a privately owned Swiss pharmaceutical company.

4 injured in fire at pharmaceutical company in southwest Ohio

VANDALIA, Ohio — Authorities say four workers were injured in a flash fire at a specialty pharmaceutical company in southwest Ohio.

The workers at Eurand America Inc. in Vandalia were taken to Miami Valley Hospital on Friday afternoon with facial and leg burns. Hospital spokeswoman Nancy Thickel says none were considered life-threatening.

City spokesman Rich Hopkins says the four employees were working with chemicals when the fire started.

Hopkins says the plant's 200 workers were evacuated and a sprinkler system quickly extinguished the fire that was confined to one room.

Eurand General Manager Peter Ercoli says the fire remains under investigation.

Eurand develops products including pain relievers and medicines for epilepsy, AIDS and cardiovascular diseases.