PHARMA COMPANY LAUNCHES CANADIAN OPERATION
By Adnews Staff
Byk Gulden, an international pharmaceutical company based in Germany, opened a Canadian division this week. Called Byk Canada Inc., the operation is based in Burlington, Ont. In a release, the company says it plans to focus its initial research efforts on the field of gastroenterology. Another area in which Byk expects to become involved is respiratory health, including asthma and rhinitis. John Suk, Byk Canada's president and CEO, told Adnews that because the company is just getting its Canadian operation off the ground, it doesn't have its own agency and probably won't be looking for one in the near future. Lexicomm Communications of Toronto is handling Byk's PR. Byk Canada's first product, Pantoloc, will be available to patients by the end of March. Pantoloc is used for the treatment of acid-related diseases such as duodenal ulcers, gastric ulcers and heartburn. Solvay Pharma Inc. of Toronto will co-promote Pantoloc in Canada. Solvay's agency, Schwab & Piquette Communications of Toronto, is handling the advertising. The campaign will use medical media.