Caeylx is a long-circulating pegylated liposomal formulation of doxorubicin hydrochloride, a cytotoxic agent.
Currently, Merck, through an affiliate, holds rights to market the medication under a distribution agreement with Alza, an affiliate of Janssen, which was executed in 1996.
The distribution agreement with the affiliate of Merck expires on 31 December 2010 and marketing rights will be transferred back to ALZA Corporation. Janssen affiliates will assume marketing and distribution responsibilities for the product beginning 1 January 2011.
Since the agreement was put in place, the affiliate of Merck has held rights to Caeylx in Europe and associated countries, Canada, Latin America, Middle East and Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan).
Janssen Oncology and Supportive Care worldwide vice president Jim Baker said that Caeylx will become their first global product for the treatment of solid tumors.
Caeylx is approved in the EU as monotherapy for metastatic breast cancer in patients where there is an increased cardiac risk.