Quintiles To Help Launch Pharmaxis CF Drug

Quintiles has signed an agreement with Pharmaxis to provide a broad range of commercial solutions to support the European launch of Bronchitol, an innovative treatment for cystic fibrosis.

Quintiles will execute a comprehensive commercialization effort for Bronchitol across western Europe. Beginning with Germany in early 2011, Quintiles will later support the commercialization of Bronchitol in France, Spain, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg and Portugal. Quintiles’ services include development of the overall market access strategy, pricing and reimbursement, local market access, product management, and recruitment and management of field-based commercial teams.

Designed to reduce the amount of mucus build-up in the lungs of patients suffering from chronic respiratory conditions, Bronchitol was awarded orphan drug designation for cystic fibrosis in the EU and U.S. Pharmaxis anticipates approval for the product in Europe by the close of 2010, with promotional activities beginning in 2011.

“Bronchitol is an important advancement in the treatment of cystic fibrosis,” said Gary Phillips, acting chief executive officer, Pharmaxis. “To get this critical therapy to patients, we need the right partner to ensure our market entry goes smoothly. Europe is a complex area in which to launch a product, and Quintiles’ experience, breadth and expertise in the region made them the ally of choice. They are experts at market access, field sales and product promotion, and understand the nature of the region.”