MELBOURNE-BASED Arrotex Pharmaceuticals will become the exclusive local distributor and marketing leader for blood cancer and multiple myeloma (RRMM) treatment Xpovio (selinexor).

As part of a new partnership with Antengene, Arrotex will continue its strategic expansion in haematology, with the deal providing PBS access to a listed treatment option in RRMM and granting Antengene access to Arrotex’s intregrated commercial infrastructure.

It is estimated as many as 20,000 Australians are living with multiple myeloma – a type of blood cancer that develops from plasma cells in bone marrow – with a further 2,600 diagnosed every year.

Xpovio was first launched onto the PBS in Sep 2022 based on an oral selective inhibitor of the nuclear export protein XPO1 for RRMM, and was expanded into a second listing in Jun the next year.

Arrotex will now assume all sales and marketing activity for RRMM and will grow its sales operations to better connect with haematologists, oncologists, nurses, and pharmacists.

At the same time, Antengene will continue with clinical trials and oversee indication expansion.

Arrotex Chief Commercial Officer Hayley Tamborini (pictured) said the new partnership is based on a platform of innovative access.

“Arrotex is fast becoming a partner of choice for companies wanting to establish and maintain a strong presence in Australia,” Tamborini said.

“By partnering with multinational companies of the respected calibre of Antengene, we are using our established platform and unparalleled market presence to enable innovation to reach more Australian patients.”

Studies released two years ago showed as many as 18 Australians were losing their lives to blood cancer, including myeloma, leukaemia and lymphoma every day (PD 27 Feb 2023).

Epworth Healthcare Director of Molecular Oncology and Cancer Immunology, Professor Miles Prince, said innovative treatments are desperately needed for Australians suffering from blood cancer.

“Xpovio (selinexor) provides an important treatment option for people living with multiple myeloma,” Professor Prince said.

“A continued focus on treatment access is required to support those managing this incurable disease.”

Professor Prince said the continuity of access provided to Arrotex was a positive development for prescribers and patients alike. ML

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