The European Commission has given the green light for the sale of a medication intended to quench the urge for alcoholics to drink. The drug, Selincro, is produced by the Turku-based Biotie Therapies and marketed by the Danish pharmaceutical company Lundbeck.
They say Selincro can reduce alcohol consumption by 60 percent. It is mainly aimed at reducing alcohol dependence in adults who drink heavily -- consuming up to six drinks a day -- but who do not suffer from withdrawal symptoms or need detoxification.
Possible profits in the millions
The sales permit covers all 27 EU member states. Biotie CEO Timo Veromaa calls the decision a major step forward for the company, and one that will stabilise its financing situation. If the drug becomes a commercial success, he estimates that the firm could reap royalties in the tens of millions of euros.
Lundbeck plans to launch the drug as part of a new treatment concept including psychosocial support for reduced drinking. It says this could be on the market by the middle of this year.