Eisai EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa, Russia and Oceania), a division of one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies based on research and development (R&D), has opened a new office in Belgium with an office in Brussels.

The office in Belgium will be responsible for bringing Eisai's Inovelon market (rufinamide) indicated as an adjunctive therapy for the treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) in patients four years and older, that since March 2012 is available in Belgium. Rufinamide was in October 2004 orphan drug status for adjunctive treatment of patients with this syndrome particularly difficult to treat.

Eisai has submitted an application for reimbursement of Halaven (eribulin), an innovative treatment for metastatic breast cancer, the local regulatory authorities (Inami) in Belgium. Eribulin was approved in March 2011 by the European Commission and is indicated as monotherapy for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer whose disease is progressive after at least two chemotherapeutic regimens for the disease at an advanced stage. Prior therapy should have included an anthracycline and a taxane unless patients were not eligible for these treatments.

In a comment on the request for reimbursement of eribulin in Belgium Nicolas Kormoss, MD, medical director for Belgium and said Luxembourg, Eisai EMEA: "Belgium has one of the highest rates of breast cancer in the world, and about 2,500 women die each year metastatic breast cancer. We hope that the local health authorities recognize the clinical value Halaven may mean for those with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer in the country."

The opening of the Belgian office comes under Eisai's globalization strategy. This set is put in its strategic plan in 2011 to medium term "HAYABUSA". Here the company to offer its global presence by 2015 aims to expand in order to achieve its objective. To contribute to more than 500 million patients worldwide contributions

Commenting on the opening of the new office in Belgium said Gary Hendler "We are excited about the opening of an office in Eisai such an important European market, both to support Inovelon as to, President and CEO, Eisai EMEA provide a solid foundation for the launch of Halaven in the future."

Eisai is committed to developing and delivering highly beneficial new treatments to improve. The lives of people with cancer and epilepsy, and their families, The continuing development of its oncology and epilepsy portfolios emphasizes Eisai's human health care mission, the commitment of the company for innovative solutions in disease prevention, cure and care for the health and welfare of people worldwide.

Eisai is committed to developing and delivering new treatments to help improve with epilepsy.