Pharmaxis names Eastern European distributor

Pharmaxis (ASX:PXS) has appointed Valeant Pharmaceuticals subsidiary PharmaSwiss as distributor for cystic fibrosis treatment Bronchitol in 11 Eastern European countries.

CEO Gary Phillips said the distribution deal perhaps most importantly covers the Polish market.

“With more than 6000 cystic fibrosis patients, Poland is a solid market where our European Union approval applies,” he said.

PharmaSwiss will now apply for pricing approval with the Polish reimbursement authority. The company has also been appointed distributor for the countries of Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Kosovo.

Pharmaxis secured European marketing approval for Bronchitol as a cystic fibrosis treatment for adults in April last year.

The product is so far available in the UK, Germany, Austria and Denmark. Pharmaxis also has a European distribution deal with Aravo Healthcare and last month signed an exclusive deal with distributor United Medical covering the Brazilian market.

Bronchitol is a formulation of mannitol administered as a dry powder through an inhaler. It is designed to hydrate the lungs and assist with mucus clearance.

Pharmaxis shares were trading unchanged at $0.20 as of around 2.30 pm on Wednesday.