Debiopharm has extended its patent and know-how agreement on Eloxatin (oxaliplatin), currently indicated for advanced colorectal cancer, with multinational Sanofi-Synthelabo (Paris, France). The agreement will expire in 2016. Under the terms of this agreement, Debiopharm and Sanofi-Synthelabo will share development costs on improvements to the currently available formulations for Eloxatin, new indications and new methods of use for Eloxatin.

Sanofi-Synthelabo holds the marketing rights for Eloxatin worldwide, excluding Japan, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and India. Sanofi-Synthelabo pays royalties to Debiopharm on sales of Eloxatin.

"The agreement confirms our long-standing partnership with Sanofi-Synthelabo and Debio's successful track record in oncology. Eloxatin is Debio's third oncology molecule that has received FDA approval in the last two years," states Dr. Rolland-Yves Mauvernay, founder and President of Debiopharm. "This agreement will provide for further joint development efforts on Eloxatin, allowing for further innovation in Debio's advanced drug delivery systems, particularly novel oral platforms and biodegrable and biocompatible parenteral delivery systems. Debiopharm's Galenic Unit in Gland, with facilities specially dedicated to formulation research for oncology products, will build on existing knowledge, develop new projects and offer value-added research to our future partners."

Oxaliplatin is a DACH-platinum (di-amino-cyclo-hexane) compound, or platinum derivative, that was discovered by Prof. Y. Kidani of Nagoya University, Japan. Debiopharm pursued the development of the compound, which subsequently obtained marketing approval in Europe in the indication of advanced colorectal cancer. Oxaliplatin is currently marketed in a lyophilised formulation in over 60 countries by Sanofi-Synthelabo under the name Eloxatin.

Today, Eloxatin is indicated in first line treatment of advanced colorectal cancer in most major European countries. In the United States, oxaliplatin has recently been granted an FDA marketing authorisation in a record time of just seven weeks, after having been granted a fast track review. Eloxatin is also being investigated for the treatment of ovarian cancer, pancreas cancer, breast cancer and other solid tumours. In 2001, sales of Eloxatin reached EUR 196 million.