Clinigen and Eisai launch breast cancer treatment in South Africa

Pharmaceutical companies Clinigen and Eisai launched an advanced breast cancer treatment for women in South Africa called Halaven (eribulin).

The treatment will benefit around 7,000 women in South Africa that are diagnosed with breast cancer each year.

Halaven is now registered by the Medicines Control council (MCC) in South Africa for the treatment of women with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer that has progressed after at least two chemotherapeutic regimens for advanced disease.

Eribulin was discovered and developed by Eisai and will be available to people in South Africa through a partnership with Equity Pharma, part of Clinigen’s Healthcare division.

Chief Executive of Clinigen Shaun Chilton said: "As partners in the distribution of eribulin, we can leverage our comprehensive South African distribution network and local expertise to deliver this important medicine to eligible women across the country, marking an important moment in the fight against advanced breast cancer in the region."

Eisai chairman and chief executive of Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) & Global chief commercial officer Gary Hendler said: "Through our close partnership with Clinigen South Africa, Eisai will officially enter the South African market with the launch of eribulin and together we strive to make a meaningful difference to the lives of patients with advanced breast cancer."

The share price of Clinigen fell 2.09% to 739.25p at 1503 GMT on Thursday.