Sayre Therapeutics has announced the establishment of a Named Patient Program for DaunoXome (liposomal daunorubicin) for India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan. The programme is under an exclusive distribution arrangement with Galen, UK.

A Named Patient Program is a mechanism through which physicians can legally and ethically prescribe drugs which are not yet approved in a specific country, in line with local country regulations. DaunoXome is an anti-cancer medicine which is a cytotoxic agent that belongs to a group of medicines called anthracyclines.

The active substance of DaunoXome is daunorubicin. It is a special formulation of daunorubicin which is used to treat a type of cancer known as Kaposi's sarcoma. This is a form of cancer that mainly affects the skin, but also lungs and intestines. The drug according to the company reduces the growth of these tumour cells. It is used for the treatment of a severe form of Kaposi’s sarcoma in patients with AIDS.

"We are committed to improving patient access to liposomal daunorubicin in a legal and ethical manner. Our agreement with Galen provides a valuable resource for healthcare professionals and patients who are unsatisfied with their current approved treatment options to access liposomal daunorubicin on a named-patient basis,” said a spokesperson from Sayre Therapeutics.

According to David Bennett, Managing Director, Galen, the agreement provides an important additional option for clinicians in these countries, who are treating patients with advanced HIV-related Kaposi’s sarcoma.

Sayre cannot respond to direct enquiries from patients. If you are a patient, or relative of a patient, looking for information regarding the availability of liposomal daunorubicin in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh or Pakistan, please discuss with your physician or refer your physician directly to Sayre Therapeutics.