Juniper Pharmaceuticals has extended its supply agreement for Crinone (progesterone gel) with an affiliate of Merck KGaA. The amended agreement extends the supply term an additional 4.5 years and at least through to December 31, 2024. The current term was due to expire in May 2020. Merck KGaA has marketing rights worldwide except the U.S., where Crinone is marketed by Allergan.

“Our longstanding collaboration with Merck KGaA to supply Crinone progesterone gel for sale outside of the U.S. remains an extremely important core business for us. We anticipate approximately 20% growth in 2017, and expect continued long-term growth throughout the extension period,” said Alicia Secor, president and chief executive officer, Juniper. “The expansion of this relationship with Merck KGaA has been a strategic priority for us, and we look forward to continuing to work with the Merck team to support the long-term potential of this product.”

Juniper will remain the supplier of Crinone to Merck KGaA and will continue to sell Crinone to Merck KGaA for the more than 90 countries outside of the U.S. where Crinone is sold. The agreement also sets from July 1, 2020, a volume tiered, fixed price per unit with minimum annual volume guarantees. In addition, Juniper has committed to increase the capacity of its supply chain in line with the projected growth of the product.

Juniper previously reported that Crinone product revenues increased 19% year-over-year in the third quarter of 2017. The company recently announced that it expects continued strong double-digit revenue growth for its core business, Crinone and JPS, in 2018.