Grünenthal Partners with Apotex for Testosterone Therapy Nebido® in Canada

In a significant move for men's health in Canada, Grünenthal, a prominent player in pain management, has licensed the exclusive rights for their testosterone replacement therapy, Nebido®, to Apotex Inc., the country's largest pharmaceutical firm. This agreement is poised to enhance the availability of treatment options for male hypogonadism, a condition characterized by testosterone deficiency.

The licensing deal, announced on February 5, 2026, signifies a deepening relationship between the two companies. Under the terms of the agreement, Apotex will assume the responsibility of obtaining marketing authorization for Nebido® through its branded medicine division, Searchlight Pharma. Once the necessary regulatory approvals are in place, Apotex will start marketing and distributing the product throughout Canada. Grünenthal will benefit from an upfront payment, milestone payments related to regulatory approval, and a share of sales.

Jan Adams, Chief Commercial Officer at Grünenthal, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership stating, "We are delighted to expand our partnership with Apotex and further strengthen the global presence of the brand. Through this agreement, we are providing a valuable and well-established brand that can benefit countless people living with testosterone deficiency in Canada."

Mark Nawacki, President of Searchlight Pharma, acknowledged the importance of this agreement, highlighting that it aligns with Apotex's commitment to broadening access to modern medicines. "Nebido® addresses a recognized need in men's health and represents our first entry into testosterone therapy—opening a meaningful new therapeutic area for Apotex while strengthening our branded portfolio and expanding our presence in specialty care."

Grünenthal’s acquisition of global rights for Nebido® in 2022 is part of a broader strategy. The company has invested over €2 billion in the past few years through mergers and acquisitions, diversifying its portfolio to improve profitability and spur growth. This partnership with Apotex not only facilitates the distribution of Nebido® but also enhances the operational synergies within Grünenthal’s existing business framework, which includes manufacturing and logistics operations.

Understanding Hypogonadism and Nebido®

Male hypogonadism is a medical condition resulting from insufficient testosterone production, which can manifest through a variety of symptoms, including diminished libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, and loss of muscle mass. These symptoms can sometimes be misattributed to stress or the aging process, leading to a lack of awareness and treatment among affected individuals. Research indicates that one in six men over the age of 50 suffers from symptomatic androgen deficiency, yet only about ten percent of men aged between 30 to 79 with this condition receive appropriate therapy.

Nebido®, which is a long-acting injectable formulation of testosterone undecanoate, is administered every 10 to 14 weeks by healthcare professionals. This therapy aims to restore testosterone levels in males diagnosed with hypogonadism, enhancing their quality of life and addressing both physical and psychological symptoms associated with the disorder.

Overall, the collaboration between Grünenthal and Apotex marks a crucial step forward in development and accessibility of testosterone therapy in Canada. This partnership reflects a joint commitment to improving health outcomes for men dealing with hormone deficiencies, ensuring that they have access to effective treatments that can significantly enhance their well-being.

For more information about the companies involved, Grünenthal is headquartered in Aachen, Germany, with a core mission to deliver innovative treatments globally. Apotex, based in Toronto, is committed to providing affordable healthcare solutions across the Americas. By bringing Nebido® to the Canadian market, both companies are poised to make a substantial impact on men's health in the region.