Atrix Laboratories, Inc. announced that the company has signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Han All Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., to develop and commercialize Eligard (leuprolide acetate for injectable suspension) in Korea. Leutenizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists, like Eligard, are commonly used for the treatment of hormone-responsive prostate cancer and other indications such as breast cancer and endometriosis around the world.

"Korea is the second largest LHRH market in pan-Asia after Japan and among the top twenty globally," said David Bethune, Atrix's chairman and CEO.

Han All Pharmaceutical is a well-established Korean pharmaceutical company focusing on mainly prescription medicines. With the Atrix collaboration, Han All aims to become a top player in the Korean prostate cancer market.

Atrix will receive royalty payments based on sales of the Eligard products upon approval. Han All will be responsible for any pre-clinical and clinical studies required for approval and will be responsible for submission of the necessary documents to obtain marketing authorization. Finally, Atrix will manufacture Eligard products for Han All at its facility in Fort Collins, Colorado and will earn manufacturing profits on each unit made.