Pharmaceutical Business review

Helsinn, Vifor sign distribution deal for netupitant-palonosetron fixed dose combination

The product is presently in the development stage for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV).

As per the terms of the deal, Vifor Pharma will not only distribute the product but will also take the responsibility for the registeration of product in Switzerland.

Helsinn Group CEO Riccardo Braglia said chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting is a frequent and severe side effect of most cancer treatments.

"While various treatments already exist, nausea remains an area with a major unmet need that netupitant-palonosetron fixed dose combination will effectively address," Braglia added.

NEPA is a novel single-day fixed-dose combination of a NK1 receptor antagonist, netupitant, and a pharmacologically and clinically distinct 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, palonosetron targeting two critical pathways associated with CINV.

Vifor Pharma international business operations head Thierry Volle said, "Helsinn is a leader in managing cancer supportive care. Together we will provide patients and doctors with an innovative product that improves quality of life significantly."