Purdue Pharma to distribute Helsinn’s CINV injection Aloxi in Canada

Canadian research-based pharmaceutical firm Purdue Pharma has entered a distribution and licence agreement to distribute, promote, market and sell Swiss pharmaceutical group Helsinn’s Aloxi (palonosetron hydrochloride) in the country.

Aloxi is an anti-emetic that acts as an antagonist of 5-HT₃ receptor.

Health Canada approved the use of the product to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in adults.

Approved in more than 70 countries such as the US, Europe and Japan, Aloxi is administered as a 0.25mg/5mL injection in adults, on the day of chemotherapy and up to five days after chemotherapy.

In children aged one month to less than 17 years, Aloxi is given in the form of a 20mcg/kg injection on the day of chemotherapy to prevent nausea and vomiting.

Helsinn Group CEO and vice-chairman Riccardo Braglia said: "We are also pleased to be able to broaden our relationship with Purdue / Mundipharma Network, a trusted partner that we work with in many countries across five continents and look forward to working with them in Canada."

Braglia further added that through the collaboration, the firm intends to extend the benefits of Aloxi to several Canadian patients.

Purdue Pharma Canada CEO Dr Craig Landau said: "Patients deserve access to medicines and treatments that help them manage their symptoms so they can participate fully in the things that matter most to them.

"Purdue Pharma (Canada) already offers medicines that benefit patients with cancer who also suffer from pain. Now, we can also help those who suffer from CINV."

Founded in 1976, Helsinn works towards research, development, manufacture and the commercialisation of therapeutic and supportive care products for cancer, pain and inflammation and gastroenterology.