Columbia, Merck Serono Renew Crinone Pact

Columbia Laboratories, Inc. has renewed its license and supply agreement with Merck Serono for Crinone (progesterone gel) for an additional five years. Under the agreement and the renewal, Merck Serono has worldwide marketing rights, outside of the U.S. Crinone is currently approved in 63 countries.

“We are pleased to continue our longstanding relationship with Merck Serono for Crinone,” said Frank C. Condella, Jr., Columbia’s president and chief executive officer. “We expect sales volumes will be higher this year than in 2009, primarily due to growth in China and other emerging growth markets. We therefore look forward to a good royalty stream in 2010 and beyond as Merck Serono continues building Crinone’s presence in current markets and expanding its geographic reach.”