• Escitalopram is a leading and growing product in Central Nervous system (CNS)
• This agreement reinforces Almirall?s portfolio in Italy and will generate revenues as of this year
• It is estimated that over 38% of the EU population suffers from a mental disorder. Depression is common, affecting about 121 million people worldwide

Barcelona and Milan, 19 October 2011,-Almirall, SpA and Lundbeck Italia, SpA today announced that they have entered into a co-promotion agreement for escitalopram in Italy under the brand Cipralex?

Escitalopram is an antidepressant of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) family, indicated in treatment of depression and anxiety disorder.

Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.

“We are very pleased with this new collaboration with Lundbeck. It strengthens our Italian portfolio with a leading and growing product and allows us to leverage our CNS capabilities and expertise?, said Javier Garc?a, General Manager Almirall Italy. ?This agreement reinforces Almirall?s position as a solid partner in Italy and will generate revenues as of this year?, he added.

“We are very happy at Lundbeck, says Ralph Fassey, General Manager of the Italian subsidiary, to have from now on with Almirall Italy a very valid and competent partner to co-promote our escitalopram, the already most prescribed antidepressant in our country. The?fruitful and long lasting collaboration between our two companies in Spain induced us to extend the cooperation to another important Mediterranean country such as, Italy.”

About escitalopramEscitalopram is one of the most?effective and tolerable molecules for the treatment of depression and anxiety. It acts increasing the level of?serotonin, a specific neurotransmitter,?whose reduction is involved in the onset of symptoms of these disorders. Escitalopram differs from the other antidepressants of the same class (SSRI) for a unique mechanism of action, responsible for its relevant clinical efficacy.

About depression and anxiety disorderDepression is a common mental disorder that presents with depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, low energy, and poor concentration. These problems can become chronic or recurrent and lead to substantial impairments in an individual’s ability to take care of his or her everyday responsibilities. At its worst, depression can lead to suicide, a tragic fatality associated with the loss of about 850 000 lives every year[1].

Depression is the leading cause of disability as measured by YLDs and the 4th?leading contributor to the global burden of disease (DALYs) in 2000. by the year 2020, depression is projected to reach 2nd place of the ranking of DALYs calculated for all ages, both sexes. Today, depression is already the 2nd cause of DALYs in the age category 15-44 years for both sexes combined[4].

Depression is common, affecting about 121 million people worldwide[2]. It occurs in persons of all genders, ages, and backgrounds.

It is estimated that each year 38.2% of the EU population suffers from a mental disorder[3]. Adjusted for age and co-morbidity, this corresponds to 164.8 million persons affected. Compared to 2005 (27.4%) this higher estimate is entirely due to the inclusion of 14 new disorders also covering childhood/adolescence as well as the elderly. The estimated higher number of persons affected (2011: 165 m vs. 2005: 82 m) is due to coverage of childhood and old age populations, new disorders and of new EU membership states. The most frequent disorders are anxiety disorders (14.0%), insomnia (7.0%), major depression (6.9%), somatoform (6.3%), alcohol and drug dependence (> 4%), ADHD (5%) in the young, and dementia (1?30%, depending on age).

About AlmirallAlmirall is an international pharmaceutical company based on innovation and committed to health. Headquartered in Barcelona, Spain, it researches, develops, manufactures and commercialises its own R&D and licensed drugs with the aim of improving people?s health and wellbeing.?

Almirall focuses its research resources on therapeutic areas related to the treatment of asthma, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), gastrointestinal disorders, psoriasis and other dermatological conditions.

Almirall?s products are currently present in over 70 countries while it has direct presence in Europe and Latin America through 12 affiliates.

For further information please visit the website at: almirall.com

About LundbeckLundbeck is an international pharmaceutical company founded by Hans Lundbeck in 1915 specializing in central nervous system disorders, with its headquarter in Copenhagen, Denmark.

It is an integrated company with core competencies in research, development, production, marketing and sales and an international presence in more than 100 markets worldwide and approximately 5900 employees.

Its marketed pharmaceuticals include treatment for Alzheimer?s disease, depression and anxiety, epilepsy, Huntington?s disease, insomnia, Parkinson?s disease, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

For further information please visit the website at lundbeck.com