Singapore: Mundipharma and Helsinn Group have expanded their collaboration, signing amendments to licensing and distribution agreements for anti-emetic prophylactic agents ALOXI and AKYNZEO to cover a host of additional markets.

Chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is one of the most common side effects of cancer chemotherapy. The prevention of CINV has been refined in the major international antiemetic guidelines over the past several decades and the combination of antiemetic agents with different mechanisms of actions are now recommended for the prevention of CINV.

ALOXI (palonosetron) is a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist indicated as single agent for the prevention of CINV. AKYNZEO is the first fixed combination oral agent targeting two critical signalling pathways associated with CINV by combining palonosetron with netupitant, the new highly selective NK1 receptor antagonist, in a single capsule.

Under the terms of the arrangement, Mundipharma has acquired all the rights for marketing, promotion, distribution and sales of ALOXI and AKYNZEO for an additional 30 countries in Africa as well as Iran, Pakistan and Indonesia.

Additionally, Mundipharma has also secured the rights for AKYNZEO for Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay.

The expanded partnership continues the strengthening of Mundipharma's oncology portfolio and its anti-emetic treatment offering, building on exclusive licensing and distribution agreements for Helsinn's anti-emetic franchise in Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa.

Raman Singh, President, Mundipharma Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa said, "This is an important extension of our oncology portfolio, offering relief to patients suffering the side effects of chemotherapy and represents further progress of our efforts to address unmet patient needs in emerging healthcare markets."

Riccardo Braglia, Helsinn Group Vice Chairman and CEO, commented, "Helsinn and Mundipharma have an effective, longstanding partnership and Mundipharma successfully markets, promotes and distributes a number of our products across a range of territories. We're delighted to be able to extend this relationship through this comprehensive agreement which will bring these two key anti-emetic products to more patients in these fast-growing territories."

Helsinn Group will retain all international development responsibility, as well as clinical development activities. The company will continue to manufacture and supply ALOXI and AKYNZEO for commercial use.