Helsinn Healthcare SA has acquired an exclusive license to the worldwide marketing and distribution rights for Gelclair from the British company Sinclair Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Gelclair is a bioadherent oral gel that is indicated for the management and relief of oral pain resulting from oral mucositis, oral surgery or traumatic ulcers caused by dental prostheses. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Oral mucositis is a debilitating side effect often seen in cancer patients undergoing radiation treatment or chemotherapy. Mucositis pain often prevents the patient from eating or drinking and so can result in the need to reduce a patient's cancer treatment. There is presently no satisfactory treatment for oral mucositis. Gelclair offers a novel approach to managing painful oral conditions by creating a protective adherent barrier over the mucosal surface of the mouth and throat, thereby shielding and soothing exposed and sensitive nerves in oral lesions of various etiologies.

In the US, Gelclair is a prescription product that received marketing approval from the FDA in January 2002. OSI Pharmaceuticals Inc, a leading US biotechnology company, has exclusive North American distribution rights for Gelclair and directly markets the product in the oncology market whereas they maintain an agreement with the John O. Butler Company for the marketing of the product in the dental care arena.

In Europe and elsewhere, Gelclair is marketed in a number of countries through national partners. Helsinn is currently evaluating partners to further expand the product's market presence in Europe and in other selected markets worldwide.