Helsinn licenses anti-nausea drug Aloxi to Specialised Therapeutics for Australian and New Zealand cancer patients

Lugano, Switzerland-based Helsinn has entered into an agreement with Australia’s Specialised Therapeutics Australia, granting the latter exclusive license and distribution rights for its anti-nausea drug palonosetron (Aloxi) in Australia and New Zealand. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Palonosetron is a patented second generation 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, which is differentiated to older 5HT3 antagonists by its higher receptor binding affinity and longer duration of its activity. The drug has been available internationally after being registered in the USA in 2003, and is indicated for the prevention of acute nausea and vomiting associated with highly emetogenic chemotherapy, and the prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with moderately emetogenic chemotherapy. Today the product is approved in 63 countries, with annual sales of over $400 million last year.

STA’s chief executive, Carlo Montagner, said the acquisition of palonosetron was an important step in the continued development of the company’s drug portfolio, with a commitment to oncology treatment and management. "We have made clear our strategy of building Specialised Therapeutics Australia through the acquisition and growth of specialist medicines. By in-licensing palonosetron we are demonstrating our on-going commitment to this strategy. palonosetron is an excellent fit in our growing portfolio and we look forward to driving its growth,” he added.