Proprietary is a definition of a pharmaceutical product in which the active ingredient is unique and enjoys patent protection. Also the mechanism of action often represents a new treatment approach for the target disease.

In the field of proprietary products, Orion's key compteneces are focused on selected areas of central nervous system disorders and critical care. In recent years, also urology and prostate cancer have become strong areas of expertise.

As a result of research begun in the early 1980s, Orion has brought to market eight proprietary drugs, four of which are for veterinary use. Drugs originated by Orion for human use include the medicines for Parkinson’s disease, i.e. Stalevo (levodopa, karbidopa ja entakaponi) and Comtess/Comtan (entacapone), Simdax (levosimendan) for acute decompensated heart failure, Dexdor and Precedex (dexmedetomidine) for the sedation of patients in intensive care, and Fareston (toremifene) for advanced breast cancer. Fareston no more enjoys basic patent protection.

Orion is actively reconstructing its product portfolio by acquiring development and marketing rights for patent-protected drugs. Such in-licensed products in Orion’s portfolio are Enanton (leuproreline acetate) and Vantas (histrelin), both for prostate cancer, and Kentera (oxybutynin) for overactive bladder.

Also included in Orion’s portfolio of proprietary products is Easyhaler, an inhaler based on in-house development for administration of medicines for asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Orion has developed Easyhaler-adapted dry powder formulations of several well-known generic active substances used in the treatment of asthma and COPD.   

Several development projects underway

Orion has many R&D projects underway independently as well as with partners.

Examples of Orion’s partners for long-term efforts to develop new innovative products into Orion’s porrtfolio include the India-based Aurigene, which engages in early research with Orion on certain molecule families for treating cancer. In early 2011, Orion announced that it has entered into a collaboration agreement with the US-based Endo Pharmaceuticals for the discovery, development and commercialization of assets in Oncology.

Orion's pharmaceutical research activity and projects are dealt with in the Research and Development section of this website.