ORPHELIA Pharma executes a collaboration and license agreement with Gustave Roussy cancer centre for the development of the first pediatric formulation of temozolomide
Paris and Lyon, July 2nd, 2019 – ORPHELIA Pharma, a French biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development and marketing of paediatric drugs in the fields of oncology and neurology, announces today that a collaboration and license agreement has been executed with Gustave Roussy, the leading European Comprehensive Cancer Centre for the development of Kimozo®, the first paediatric formulation of temozolomide.
Temozolomide is an essential anticancer medicine authorized for the treatment of malignant glioma in children. Unfortunately, no paediatric formulation exists; hence caregivers are asked to open the temozolomide adult capsules and mix the medicine in soft food. The need for a paediatric formulation has been expressed by the European Medicine Agency in their document « Draft Inventory of paediatric therapeutic needs – EMA/381728/2014 ».
« Temozolomide is one of the anticancer medicines for which a real unmet medical need for a paediatric formulation exists », explained Pr. Gilles Vassal, Director of Clinical Research at Gustave Roussy. « This is widely recognized by the international paediatric oncology community and the reason why Gustave Roussy has developed an innovative hospital compounded preparation for children. »
Kimozo® was developed starting from Gustave Roussy hospital-compounded preparation and is the first paediatric formulation of temozolomide to be presented as a taste-masked oral suspension. A sealed bottle and five oral syringes will allow an efficient and safe dispensing to children. ORPHELIA Pharma is currently monitoring industrial development of Kimozo®.
« When using the adult formulation of temozolomide, the drug could be regurgitated by the child and the administered dose is not precise. Furthermore, during the preparation of the drug, caregivers and patient’s family could be exposed to this cytotoxic molecule. Gustave Roussy has developed a very useful hospital-compounded preparation », comments Jérémy Bastid, Chief Development Officer at ORPHELIA Pharma.
« The medical need for temozolomide is very significant in children », highlights Hugues Bienaymé, Founder and General Manager of ORPHELIA Pharma. « Beside malignant glioma, this medicine is used in several rare childhood cancers. Thus, Kimozo® will be helpful in multiple indications.»
About ORPHELIA Pharma
Based in Paris and Lyon, ORPHELIA Pharma SAS is a French biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development and marketing of oncology and neurology pediatric drugs. Its mission is to significantly improve essential medicines administered to children through the development of efficient, reliable and safe drugs with child-friendly formulations. ORPHELIA Pharma also leads innovative R&D projects through academic and industrial partnerships. Key investors include initiative OCTALFA (lead investor) and Pierre Fabre Medicament. For more information: www.orphelia-pharma.eu
About Gustave Roussy
Gustave Roussy, the leading cancer centre in Europe, is a comprehensive hub of expertise in oncology, entirely devoted to patients. It employs 3,100 professional staff engaged in patient care, research and teaching. For more information : https://www.gustaveroussy.fr/en