BMP Sunstone launches thalassemia drug in China

BMP Sunstone will market and distribute Ferriprox under its five-year licensing agreement with Apotex. As part of the launch, the company has held physician seminars in cities throughout Guangdong and Guangxi provinces.

BMP Sunstone’s Ferriprox treats iron overload in the bloodstream which is often associated with thalassemia, a disease that can lead to organ damage and heart failure. Thalassemia is particularly prevalent in humid environments.

David Gao, CEO of BMP Sunstone, said: “Ferriprox is a cost-effective thalassemia treatment, which we believe will result in greater drug compliance than competing injectable formulations. We continue to believe that Ferriprox can have a meaningful revenue contribution for BMP Sunstone in 2009 and beyond.”