Helsinn and Sinclair sign worldwide Gelclair deal

Swiss pharmaceutical company Helsinn Healthcare has acquired an exclusive license to the worldwide marketing and distribution rights for Gelclair from the British company Sinclair Pharmaceuticals.

Gelclair is a bioadherent oral gel that is indicated for the management and relief of oral pain resulting from oral mucositis, oral surgery or traumatic ulcers caused by dental prostheses. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Gelclair offers a novel approach to managing painful oral conditions by creating a protective adherent barrier over the mucosal surface of the mouth and throat, thereby shielding and soothing exposed and sensitive nerves in oral lesions of various etiologies. It received FDA marketing approval in the US in January 2002, and is marketed there by biotechnology OSI Pharmaceuticals. In Europe and other markets worldwide, it is marketed through national partners, and Helsinn is currently evaluating partners to further expand Gelclair's market presence.

'This transaction allows us to broaden our existing portfolio of cancer support therapy products that we can offer to our commercial partners,' said Enrico Braglia, managing director of Helsinn. 'We believe that Gelclair can become a valuable niche product to Helsinn because it can help address a major unmet need for cancer patients, providing those with mucositis with an effective, well-tolerated and easy-to-use treatment.'