Mylan Pharmaceuticals ULC marks first anniversary of Canadian launch

Celebrating a year of success

TORONTO, Nov. 17 /CNW Telbec/ - The world's third largest generic and specialty pharmaceutical company is celebrating its first anniversary in Canada as Mylan Pharmaceuticals ULC. The company officially emerged under the Mylan name last fall 2009, three years after its parent company, Mylan Inc., acquired the generics business of Merck KGaA globally, including the Canadian operations.

"Our first year under the Mylan banner has been one of positive growth and change," says Richard M. Guest, president and CEO of Mylan's Canadian operations. "While we've faced some challenges, especially in light of Ontario's Bill 16 and other recent provincial pricing reforms, our team has worked diligently and successfully with customers to find solutions. This work kept us poised for a solid year two, and our products continue to gain strong acceptance by many of our stakeholders as we continue to grow."

At its launch in 2009, Mylan announced a commitment to significantly grow its product portfolio within the next five years, offer new service solutions, introduce global assets and innovation to the Canadian market, and nurture local relationships.

"Our value to Canadian customers and patients is growing," says Hal Korman, President of Mylan North America. "In the past year, the team in Canada has dedicated itself to protecting the interests of both consumers and pharmacists and has successfully implemented innovations to our product portfolio and service offerings."

The Canadian company is well on its way to achieving its goal to double its product portfolio by 2014. Earlier this year Mylan introduced several new products, including Nifedipine Extended Release 30 mg - making it the only company in Canada to offer this generic product. Mylan currently has 24 individual products submitted to Health Canada; 15 of these are expected to be first to market products.

Numerous new initiatives were implemented over the past year, including an online learning centre designed to provide pharmacists with accredited continuing education. The online centre features an innovative video series and other added-value information. Mylan also organized various workshops for pharmacists across the country. In addition, the company contributed to multiple Canadian charities, including local food banks, as well as the international relief program in support of Haiti.

Mylan is commemorating its first anniversary by launching Every 1 Counts, a fundraising campaign in support of Breakfast Clubs of Canada, an organization dedicated to the cause of feeding the children's future through school-based breakfast programs. From now until December 24, the company invites customers, pharmacists and other partners to visit www.mylan.ca/every1counts. Each time an online visitor clicks on the website's charity page, Mylan will donate $1 to Breakfast Clubs of Canada, up to a maximum of $25,000. 

"The Every 1 Counts program reflects our relationship-based culture," says Mr. Guest. "Through this program, we will be able to continue our dialogue with partners while raising money for children in communities across the country."

About Mylan
Mylan Pharmaceuticals ULC is the Canadian subsidiary of U.S.-based Mylan Inc. (Mylan), which ranks among the leading generic and specialty pharmaceutical companies in the world and provides products to customers in more than 140 countries and territories. Mylan maintains one of the industry's broadest and highest quality product portfolios supported by a robust product pipeline; operates one of the world's largest active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturers; and runs a specialty business focused on respiratory, allergy and psychiatric therapies. For more information, please visit mylan.com.

For further information:

Kathleen Stelmach / Sayurie Naidoo
Torchia Communications
416-341-9929, ext. 227 / 230
[email protected] / [email protected]