PRINCETON, N.J. — Novo Nordisk Inc. has signed an exclusive agreement with Upsher-Smith Laboratories Inc. to market 10 mcg Vagifem tablets.

Financial terms of the agreement weren’t disclosed. Under the pact, Novo Nordisk said Monday, Upsher-Smith began exclusively marketing Vagifem 10 mcg tablets (estradiol vaginal) to doctors in the United States as of Aug. 2 through the company’s field-sales force.

Novo Nordisk introduced Vagifem 10 mcg to the U.S. market earlier this year. The new dose replaces Vagifem 25 mcg, which was discontinued on July 30.

"This partnership with Upsher-Smith supports the launch and conversion of the U.S. market to Vagifem 10 mcg," stated Eddie Williams, vice president of biopharmaceuticals at Novo Nordisk. "Leveraging Upsher-Smith’s experienced sales force, we are able to maintain our commitment to patient care and the medical community by making sure that physicians are aware of Vagifem 10 mcg for treating menopausal women with symptoms of atrophic vaginitis."

Vagifem is used to treat menopausal changes in and around the vagina, such as dryness, burning and itching. Estradiol vaginal also helps reduce the urgency or irritation of urination.

"The alignment of our two organizations and our products, which offer low-dose estrogen treatments for menopausal women, make this a unique partnership opportunity," commented Tom Burke, executive vice president of commercial operations at Upsher-Smith.