Mallinckrodt, the pharmaceuticals business of Covidien, has entered into a co-promotion agreement with Horizon Pharma of Deerfield, Ill., to promote the latter’s proprietary drug Duexis, a single-tablet combination of ibuprofen and the histamine H2-receptor antagonist famotidine for symptom relief of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis and to decrease the risk of developing upper gastrointestinal ulcers.

Mallinckrodt’s U.S. sales force will sell Duexis through December 31, 2014. Horizon and Mallinckrodt have agreed upon physician promotion targets and Mallinckrodt will be compensated for each prescription generated from these targets. The Mallinckrodt sales force is expected to begin promoting Duexis to physicians in August 2012. Horizon will continue to record all revenues and remain responsible for Duexis manufacturing, supply and regulatory activities.

"This agreement represents a key component of our growing pharmaceuticals business as Mallinckrodt prepares to spin off from Covidien next year,” said Mark Trudeau, president of pharmaceuticals, Mallinckrodt. “We are leaders in pain management, and adding Duexis to our portfolio will further advance our efforts to help patients manage the often-debilitating impact of pain.”

Mallinckrodt is the largest U.S. supplier of opioid pain medications and among the top 10 generic pharmaceuticals manufacturers in the U.S., based on prescriptions. Its branded portfolio includes Exalgo (hydromorphone HCl) extended-release tablets and Pennsaid (diclofenac sodium topical solution) 1.5% w/w. Mallinckrodt is also one of the world’s leading producers of bulk acetaminophen.

“The addition of Mallinckrodt’s experienced sales force will expand our reach and frequency into the osteoarthritis and rheumatology markets,” said Timothy P. Walbert, chairman, president and CEO, Horizon Pharma.