Atrix Laboratories Inc announced that Sanofi-Synthelabo Canada, Atrix's licensee, has received formulary approval for Eligard in the Canadian Provinces -Quebec and Ontario -which are the largest in Canada. The Alberta Cancer Board was the first organization in Canada to grant formulary approval for the Eligard line in 2003.

Eligard 7.5mg and 22.5mg received a notice of compliance (NOC) in November 2003 and Eligard 30mg followed with a NOC in March 2004. A NOC permits these products to be sold in Canada. The formulary approval process takes place on a province-by-province basis broadening the reimbursement of the product, a company release says.

"We are pleased with the formulary approval of all three Eligard strengths in Quebec and Ontario," said Michael R Duncan, vice president and general manager at Atrix. "This is another step towards increasing patient access to the Eligard line in Canada," he added.

Atrix Laboratories Inc is an emerging specialty pharmaceutical company focused on advanced drug delivery.