Astellas and Taisho announce Geninax availability in Japan

Astellas Pharma and Taisho Toyama Pharmaceuticals have announced that an oral formulation of Geninax (garenoxacin mesilate hydrate) will now be available in Japan.

Geninax, an oral formulation of quinolone antibacterial agent, has been jointly developed by Toyama and Taisho Pharmaceuticals for treatment of respiratory infections and otolaryngologic infections.

Toyama and Astellas confirmed a basic licensing agreement for the sale, marketing and joint development for Geninax within Japan in March 2006.

The agreement stipulates that Toyama will manufacture the products and Astellas will distribute the products, which will be co-promoted by Astellas and Taisho Toyama.

Geninax is the first synthetic antibacterial which is indicated for penicillin resistant S. pneumoniae.

Earlier this week, Astellas announced the launch of its new once-daily Advagraf at the 13th Congress of the European Society for Organ Transplantation (ESOT) in Prague.

It was confirmed that the EU availability of the immunosuppressant would likely be a more convenient dosing option to patients who have had an organ transplant.