Dubai-based Biologix FZCo. to distribute leukemia drug in the Middle East

ARIAD Pharmaceuticals recently entered into a deal that gives Dubai-based Biologix FZCo. the rights to distribute blood cancer drug Iclusig throughout numerous countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Under the distribution deal with ARIAD, Biologix can commercialize the drug in Middle Eastern countries of Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and United Arab Emirates.

Iclusig is a kinase inhibitor intended to treat adult patients with chronic, accelerated or blast phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) or Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) carrying the T315I mutation that is resistant to approved forms of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy.

"We have an established oncology and hematology portfolio with extensive experience in the Middle East, Gulf Coast and North Africa," Biologix CEO Selim Ghorayeb said. "Looking ahead to our partnership with ARIAD, we are dedicated to bringing that experience to help appropriate patients access Iclusig for resistant forms of CML and Ph+ ALL."

In addition to the distribution agreement with Biologix, ARIAD has also signed a deal with Pint Pharma to make Iclusing available in Latin American countries. ARIAD will be given more than 50 percent of Iclusig sales with both distribution deals. Buy-back provisions are included in the agreements in the event that there is a change in control of ARIAD.

“Our new distribution agreements for Latin America and the Middle East and North Africa markets demonstrate our commitment to bringing Iclusig to patients around the world who are in need of this important medicine for refractory CML and Ph+ ALL, while continuing to focus our commercial resources on the U.S. market,” ARIAD Chief Business Officer Hugh Cole said.