Adolor Corporation has signed a two-year agreement to co-promote GlaxoSmithKline's anti-thrombotic agent Arixtra (fondaparinux sodium) in the United States.

Adolor will begin the recruitment process to hire 30 surgeon-focused sales representatives to collaborate with GlaxoSmithKline sales representatives in a combined national effort to co-promote Arixtra.

Under the terms of the agreement, GlaxoSmithKline will provide cost reimbursement to Adolor for its promotion of Arixtra. The specific financial terms of the agreement are not disclosed. This collaborative sales force could also potentially focus on Entereg (alvimopan), an investigational peripherally-acting mu opioid receptor antagonist. Entereg is currently under review by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) target action date of April 25, 2005, the company release said here.

"Strategically, this agreement allows Adolor to accelerate the establishment of its commercial presence with surgeons," said Amy Romero, vice president of Marketing for Adolor Corporation.

"Arixtra is an important medical option for the prevention and treatment of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism," stated Kevin Lokay, vice president, GlaxoSmithKline Oncology and Acute Care. "Aligning and integrating the Adolor and GSK sales forces will expand our reach with Arixtra while paving the way for future collaboration in the surgical market," Lokay added.

Adolor Corporation is a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the discovery, development and commercialization of novel prescription pain management products. Entereg is said to be Adolor's lead product candidate.