Helsinn Healthcare and Eisai extend relationship, including US Aloxi marketing

Switzerland's Helsinn Healthcare and the US subsidiary of Japanese drug major Eisai have signed agreement granting the latter commercialization rights for a new product for potential use in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in the USA. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The arrangement covers the development of a fixed-dose combination product (in both oral and IV forms) containing netupitant, a neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor antagonist, and palonosetron, a serotonin-3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonist.

Under the terms of the deal, Helsinn will be responsible for conducting all development activities (CMC, preclinical and clinical), obtaining regulatory approvals, and holding the New Drug Application. If approved by the Food and Drug Administration, the fixed dose combination oral and IV products will be co-promoted in the USA by Eisai Inc and Helsinn Therapeutics (US) Inc. Helsinn's manufacturing affiliate in Ireland, Helsinn Birex Pharmaceuticals, will be responsible for the manufacture and supply of finished product for clinical and commercial use in the USA.