Alimera Inks Distribution Pact With MEAgate

An Alimera Sciences unit has entered an agreement that will allow MEAgate International to distribute the ILUVIEN implant throughout the Middle East.

Under the agreement, MEAgate will open a scientific office for Alimera in the Middle East to support regulatory, medical affairs, sales and marketing operations.

The ILUVIEN implant — which has U.S. regulatory sign off for the treatment of diabetic macular edema — is designed to release submicrogram levels of fluocinolone acetonide for 36 months.

Countries included in the agreement are Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen. An estimated 16 million people are living with diabetes in these countries, according to Alimera. — Michael Cipriano