Palonosetron Infusion Bag Launched in Japan

Palonosetron Infusion Bag Launched in Japan PR Newswire LUGANO, Switzerland, December 11, 2012 LUGANO, Switzerland, December 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Swiss pharmaceutical Helsinn Group announces today that Taiho Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Japanese licensee of Helsinn's second generation 5-HT receptor antagonist (5-HT RA) palonosetron, has launched on the national market3 3 the 0.75mg infusion bag formulation of palonosetron hydrochloride (Aloxi®). The infusion bag is an additional formulation to the 0.75mg injectable form already marketed in Japan since 2010. It is an important addition to the palonosetron portfolio for the Japanese market where the infusion bag presentation represents a significant share of the antiemetic sales per unit. "This great accomplishment will further strengthen the very effective collaboration between Helsinn and Taiho and our shared commitment to provide an effective treatment option to patients who are suffering from cancer chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting," Dr Riccardo Braglia, CEO of the Helsinn Group said. Palonosetron is the No. 1 branded product in value in the Japanese 5-HT RA market.3 ® ® ®About P a l o n o s e t r o n (Aloxi , Onicit , Paloxi ) Palonosetron (palonosetron hydrochloride) is a highly potent, and selective 5-HT receptor antagonist (RA) with a3 strong receptor binding affinity, a long plasma elimination half-life, and a unique mechanism of action compared to older 5-HT RAs.