Tolmar Pharmaceuticals will take over distribution of the prostate cancer treatment ELIGARD® (leuprolide acetate for injectable suspension) in Canada Jan. 1.
Originally developed by Tolmar in 2002, ELIGARD® has been distributed in Canada through Sanofi Canada, according to a company press release. Sanofi ceased all marketing and promotional activities related to ELIGARD® in September, and will no longer distribute the treatment after Dec. 31.
"We are excited to regain the sales and marketing rights for Eligard in Canada," said Anil D'souza, CEO of Tolmar Pharmaceuticals. "Tolmar is dedicated to supporting healthcare providers and their patients with advanced prostate cancer. The establishment of Tolmar Pharmaceuticals Canada will allow Tolmar to continue to advance ELIGARD® into the future."
Tolmar intends to ensure a smooth transition for current providers and patients using ELIGARD®, according to the release. That includes the continuation of the ELIGARD® Home Injection Program.
ELIGARD® is a palliative prescription medication used in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer, the release states. A gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist, the medication is designed to reduce production of testosterone by the body.
While ELIGARD® is not intended to serve as a cure for prostate cancer, the medication assists the body in combating the disease by limiting the presence of the hormone, which is known to play a part in stimulating the growth of cancerous cells involved in prostate cancer, according to the release.
Originally launched in the U.S. in 2002, ELIGARD® will continue to be produced by Tolmar, the release states.