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

DaunoXome is an anti-cancer medicine (a cytotoxic agent) that belongs to a group of medicines called anthracyclines. 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.

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

David Bennett, Managing Director of Galen Limited, stated, "We are delighted to have established this partnership with Sayre Therapeutics for India and the SAARC countries. This agreement provides an important additional option for clinicians in these countries, who are treating patients with advanced HIV-related Kaposi's sarcoma."