Eisai negotiated U.S. co-promotion rights to Helsinn Healthcare’s Phase III drug candidate for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. The drug is an oral- and IV-formulated, fixed-dose combination of the neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist, netupitant, and the serotonin-3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonist, palonosetron.
Helsinn will be responsible for carrying out all development and regulatory activities. If approved by FDA, the new products will be co-promoted in the U.S. by Eisai. Helsinn’s manufacturing affiliate in Ireland, Helsinn Birex Pharmaceuticals, will manufacture and supply the finished product for clinical and commercial use in the U.S.
Eisai and Helsinn also signed a detail service agreement to co-promote the existing palonosetron drug, Aloxi®, in the U.S. Helsinn says that it will recruit and hire a dedicated sales force.