BIOTECH company Pharmaxis has finalised a strategic marketing and sales service agreement for the commercialisation of its cystic fibrosis drug, Bronchitol, in Europe.
The company said yesterday it had signed a six-year agreement with the Quintiles organisation to help launch Bronchitol in western Europe in anticipation of regulatory approval.
''This important development means that Pharmaxis will move into the key European markets,'' said Pharmaxis acting chief executive Gary Phillips. ''Bronchitol is a new advance in the treatment of cystic fibrosis and it's vital that we engage fully with the CF communities, healthcare professionals, funding bodies and governments across Europe as efficiently as possible.''
Quintiles is a global biopharmaceutical services company offering clinical, commercial, consulting and capital services.
Two completed phase III clinical trials of Bronchitol have demonstrated early and sustained improvement in lung function in people with cystic fibrosis.
The product has been granted orphan drug designation by the European Medicines Agency, which helps accelerate its development and path to commercialisation.
Pharmaxis plans to launch Bronchitol throughout western Europe, initially in Germany and Britain in the first quarter of next year.
The Pharmaxis contract sales representatives will be managed by the Quintiles organisation throughout western Europe, while marketing and market support will be managed by the Pharmaxis office in Britain.
