As the only hepatitis B hyperimmune in Novation's product line-up, inclusion of HepaGam B(TM) in the NOVAPLUS(R) program gives the drug considerable market presence and represents a significant market opportunity.
"We are extremely pleased that Apotex Corp. was able to secure this arrangement, as reaching the number of customers represented by Novation would be an extensive process," said Dr. John Langstaff, Cangene's president and CEO.
About HepaGam B(TM)
HepaGam B(TM) is Cangene's hepatitis B immune globulin (human) injection, which is a purified antibody or hyperimmune that is specific for the hepatitis B virus. HepaGam B(TM) has been approved in the United States for treatment of acute exposure to blood containing hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg), perinatal exposure of infants born to HbsAg-positive mothers, sexual exposure to HbsAg-positive persons and household exposure to persons with acute HBV infection.
Cangene manufactures HepaGam B(TM) in its Winnipeg facility using a process similar to that of WinRho(R) SDF and Vaccinia immune globulin, the Company's other FDA-approved drugs. Hepatitis B is a major disease worldwide and a significant public health problem. A vaccine for hepatitis B is available, yet the virus continues to cause significant disease worldwide and pose a significant public health problem. Hyperimmune products can be used in situations where a vaccine is not applicable. Approximately 60,000 new infections are seen annually. There are an estimated 1.25 million chronically infected Americans, 20-30% of whom were infected as children. Severe liver disease is seen in 15-25% of chronically infected people. -- www.cnxmarketlink.com
Posted March 15th, 2007 by ruzik_tuzik
