Mundipharma and Helsinn Group have expanded licensing and distribution agreements for anti-emetic prophylactic agents Aloxi and Akynzeo to cover additional markets such as the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Indonesia.

Aloxi (palonosetron) is a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist indicated as a single agent to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV).

The first fixed combination oral agent akynzeo targets two critical signalling pathways associated with CINV by combining palonosetron with netupitant.

Mundipharma Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa president Raman Singh said: "This is an important extension of our oncology portfolio, offering relief to patients suffering the side effects of chemotherapy and represents further progress of our efforts to address unmet patient needs in emerging healthcare markets."

"The first fixed combination oral agent akynzeo targets two critical signalling pathways associated with CINV by combining palonosetron with netupitant."

Under the agreement, Mundipharma has all the rights in place for the marketing, promotion, distribution and sales of these two agents for an additional 30 countries in Africa, Iran, Pakistan and Indonesia.

The company also secured the rights for akynzeo for Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay.

Helsinn Group vice chairman and CEO Riccardo Braglia said: "Helsinn and Mundipharma have an effective, longstanding partnership and Mundipharma successfully markets, promotes and distributes a number of our products across a range of territories.

"We’re delighted to be able to extend this relationship through this comprehensive agreement, which will bring these two key anti-emetic products to more patients in these fast-growing territories."

All global development responsibility and clinical development activities would be retained by Helsinn Group, which will continue to manufacture and supply the agents for commercial use.