Asian Scientist (Jul. 30, 2013) – Celsion Corporation and Zhejiang Hisun Pharmaceutical Company Ltd. have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to continue their collaboration in the clinical development of ThermoDox®, a heat-activated liposomal encapsulation of doxorubicin, a frequently used cancer drug.
The MOU also covers the technology transfer relating to the commercial manufacture of ThermoDox® for the greater China territory.
Celsion, a US-based oncology drug development company, and Hisun, a manufacturer of chemotherapy agents like doxorubicin in China, had signed a long-term commercial supply agreement in June 2012 for the production of ThermoDox®.
In January 2013, Hisun and Celsion signed a technology development agreement when Hisun paid Celsion US$5 million for supporting its ThermoDox® manufacturing development program.
In addition, the expanded collaboration will focus on next generation liposomal formulation development with the goal of creating safer, more efficacious versions of marketed cancer chemotherapeutics.
“We are delighted with our continuing collaboration with Hisun which serves multiple strategic purposes towards successful ThermoDox® drug development and eventual product launch in the China market, potentially the largest opportunity in the world for ThermoDox®,” said Michael H. Tardugno, Celsion’s President and Chief Executive Officer.
“China is one of the countries with the highest HCC incidence and mortality and, up until now, there has not been any standard of care for treating intermediate HCC in China.” said Hua Bai, CEO and Chairman of Hisun.
“This joint effort will not only focus on ThermoDox for HCC and other indications but will also facilitate the local manufacturing and potential product launch in China , thereby providing physicians with more options for better care and prolonging the survival of patients.”
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Source: Celsion.
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