Mayne Pharma extends sales of oxaliplatin

Mayne Pharma is to extend sales of oxaliplatin following marketing approval of the product in Germany.

Oxaliplatin completed a mutual recognition programme in July this year and now has marketing approval in 13 European countries. Germany is currently one of the largest markets for oxaliplatin and is considered to be worth over GBP 99 million.

Mayne currently sells the drug to six European markets, with the manufacturer stating that launch of the drug in the UK earlier this month has been “highly successful” and is estimated to be worth GBP 18 million.

Oxaliplatin is a platinum-based chemotherapy drug used for the treatment of certain types of cancer and especially for bowel cancer.

Last year the drug, sold under the name Eloxatin, recorded a 28 per cent year-on-year increase in sales with total trading at around GBP 790 million, according to company estimates.

Announcement of the drug’s approval in Germany follows a UK high court decision in favour of Mayne Pharma patents for its oxaliplatin products. A German court has also ruled in favour of Mayne for patents of the product, with Sanofi-Aventis to be appealing both verdicts.

Dr Thierry Soursac, chief executive officer and managing director of Mayne Pharma, described the UK high court decision as a “terrific outcome” and as part of the company’s broader strategy to use its expertise in the development and marketing of chemotherapy products.