New drug for prostate cancer

Plenaxis® (abarelix) is our lead product. It is the first in a new class of hormonal products to treat advanced and metastatic prostate cancer.

Plenaxis® is a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRH) blocker and it works by direct blockade of the GnRH receptors, resulting in a rapid and sustained reduction in testosterone levels and rapid and sustained disease control. As a result, Plenaxis® is the first antagonist hormonal for managing prostate cancer that overcomes the need for anti-androgen co-prescribing. It has a rapid onset and offset of action, leading to fast and profound PSA and prostate volume reduction.

Clinical studies have shown that no hormonal surge or clinical flare occurs with Plenaxis® (unlike with agonist hormonal therapy), the efficacy is equal to the combined use of an agonist and anti-androgen and the effects on testosterone are reversible on stopping treatment.

Plenaxis® is available in Germany and is undergoing registration across Europe.

Further information is available on request.

Haemopressin® (terlipressin) is a critical care product for the treatment of bleeding oesophageal varices.

Speciality European Pharma recently sold the worldwide right to Haemopressin® to Maelor plc, enabling us to focus our corporate resources on developing our urology franchise. As part of the agreement, Speciality European Pharma retains the Haemopressin® distribution rights for France and Italy.   

Amphocil® (amphotericin B cholesteryl sulfate complex for injection) is a lipid form of amphotericin B indicated for the treatment of life-threatening systemic fungal infections, such as invasive aspergillosis.

Speciality European Pharma holds the Amphocil® distribution rights for Germany, France and Italy. The product is approved in Italy, and is in registration in Germany and France.