The pharmaceutical company United Laboratories (Unilab) of the Philippines and Debiopharm International SA of Switzerland have signed an agreement to distribute and commercialize Pamorelin in 1-, 3-, and 6-month formulations throughout the Philippines. The drug will be available in 1- and 3-month formulations to treat women with endometriosis.
Pamorelin LA (active ingredient, triptorelin) is an agonist analogue of the natural gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), developed to treat locally advanced and metastatic hormone-dependent prostate cancer, as an adjuvant to radiotherapy in patients with high-risk localized and locally advanced prostate cancer, and as well as for endometriosis.
Through constant stimulation, Pamorelin decreases pituitary secretion of gonadotropins luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Like other GnRH agonists, triptorelin is used in the treatment of hormone-responsive cancers as well as estrogen-dependent conditions such as endometriosis.
Pamorelin, developed by Debiopharm, will be mainly available to gynecologists, oncologists and urologists across the Philippines.
“Our partnership with Debiopharm International SA adds more value to our mission as a pharmaceutical company that provides access to quality and affordable healthcare products and services,” Jose Maria A. Ochave, senior vice president for Business Development Group, Unilab, said in a recent press release. “Our collaboration marks a significant step toward achieving a shared goal of providing options for better quality of life to more patients.”
“We are very happy to broaden the availability of our therapy for locally advanced and metastatic prostate cancer in Asia,” said Thierry Mauvernay, co-president, delegate of the Board of Debiopharm Group. “Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men and we are keen on improving the quality of life of these patients. We are also pleased to offer a treatment option to women suffering from endometriosis.”
Debiopharm has developed three sustained-release formulations of the product. The 1- and 3-month formulations have already been registered in numerous countries under the brand names Decapeptyl, Trelstar, and Pamorelin. The 6-month formulation is available in the U.S., Europe, Singapore, and in Latin America.
Endometriosis is the development of uterine-lining tissue outside the uterus, whose symptoms may include abdominal pain, heavy periods, and infertility. Endometriosis is usually a long-lasting (chronic) disease that is estimated to occur in 10% of women during their reproductive years. Currently, more than 10 million women in the U.S. are known to suffer from the condition.