Cancer
Hormone therapy for prostate cancer with innovative drug delivery system
Eligard® is a hormone compound for the treatment of advanced, hormone-dependent prostate cancer. The active substance (leuprolide acetate) significantly reduces the
level of the male sex hormone testosterone, thus suppressing the testosteronedependent tumor growth. The established substance is combined with a novel drug delivery system, i.e. the
Atrigel® depot technology. The liquid drug is injected subcutaneously and forms a gel-like implant that slowly disintegrates. Depending on the dosage administered, the
drug is steadily released over a period of one, three, or six months.
Administration of Eligard® (skin cross-section, syringe) |
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MediGene acquired the European marketing rights to Eligard® from Tolmar Therapeutics, Inc., and successfully guided the drug through the approval
procedures for Germany. The European market launch of Eligard® by MediGene’s partner Astellas Pharma started in 2004. Meanwhile, the one-month, the three-month,
and the six-month products are available in most European countries. Mid of 2010, MediGene sold the full European marketing and distribution rights to Eligard® to
Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd., in return, MediGene will receive € 25 million in cash from Astellas as well as royalties on future product sales. For MediGene, all future costs,
obligations and risks associated with the supply of Eligard® to Astellas, as well all future procurement costs and license payments to Tolmar, will cease.
Outlook
Eligard® will continue to contribute significantly to MediGene's result over the coming years.
Eligard® and Atrigel® are trademarks of Tolmar Therapeutics, Inc.
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