Japan-based Eisai will market its breast cancer treatment Halaven (eribulin) in selected countries within the Middle East region through a new partnership between Eisai EMEA and NewBridge Pharmaceuticals.

Eribulin is indicated for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer, which has progressed after at least two chemotherapeutic regimens for advanced disease, a statement said.

Prior therapy should have included two common types of chemotherapy, an anthracycline and a taxane, unless patients were not suitable for these treatments, it added.

"Our partnership with NewBridge is another significant step forward in support of our mission to increase the availability of Halaven worldwide," said Toshitaka Asano, vice president Market Development Business Unit EMEA.

Breast cancer is one of the major causes of cancer-related death in women and has become the most common malignant disease in the Middle East.

Studies show breast cancer is the most common form among women in Saudi Arabia, representing approximately 22 per cent of all cancers.

Locally advanced disease is very common in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Tunisia and other ME countries. Overall five-year survival rates in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman are 60 per cent, 69 per cent and 64 per cent respectively.

"We are delighted to work in partnership with Eisai to ensure that Halaven reaches women with metastatic breast cancer who need it across the region," said Joe Henein, President and CEO of NewBridge Pharmaceuticals AfMET (Africa, Middle East and Turkey).

"We strive to increase the accessibility of innovative medicines such as Halaven in the Middle East to improve health outcomes and quality of life." – TradeArabia News Service