Chugai and Helsinn agree partnership for cancer therapy

Chugai Pharma Marketing has announced an exclusive EU commercialisation partnership with Helsinn pertaining to the innovative ghrelin receptor agonist therapy anamorelin.

The deal will see Helsinn give Chugai exclusive distribution and licensing rights to the innovative therapy in Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, the UK and Ireland.

Anamorelin is currently in phase III development as a treatment for anorexia-cachexia syndrome related to non-small cell lung cancer. The condition is a detrimental multifactorial disorder that affects more than 50 percent of people with cancer.

Phase II studies have shown the drug can improve appetite, increase lean body mass and have a positive impact on the quality of life of affected patients.

John Halls, managing director of Chugai Pharma Marketing, said: "We are confident that Anamorelin's novel mechanism of action and strong supporting data will lead to a successful introduction of this medicine to patients and physicians."

Chugai is one of Japan's leading research-based pharmaceutical companies and has been part of the Roche group since 2002.