Abraxane(=Taxol but less toxic) now approved in Canada

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Abraxane previously approved in the U.S. in 2005 is now approved in Canada.
This a new version of Taxol where the very toxic solvant cromofor has been replaced with albumin making Abraxane more tolerable as far as side effects are concerned . It may also be more effective according to preliminary observations.
Abraxane(TM) (Paclitaxel Powder for Injectable Suspension) Approved for Advanced Breast Cancer Treatment in Canada

New Treatment Offers Renewed Hope to Canadian Women Fighting Metastatic Breast Cancer

TORONTO, ONTARIO -- September 13, 2006 -- Abraxis Oncology announced today that it has received Health Canada approval for Abraxane(TM) for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer, including previously untreated metastatic disease. Abraxane(TM), new to the class of taxane cancer therapies, is now commercially available, after having been available to patients across Canada since April 2006 through a compassionate use program.

"Abraxane(TM) is a treatment that delivers right to the tumour cells with the right side effect profile making it a great fit for metastatic breast cancer patients," said Dr. Sunil Verma, Clinical Oncologist in Toronto. "This medication is providing better patient outcomes with less side effects, than many of our previous treatments, and I am heartened to hear that it has been approved in Canada."

Abraxane(TM) is a unique addition to the currently available cancer treatments in Canada. Abraxane(TM) uses the natural properties of a human protein, albumin, to deliver the drug more effectively to tumours. By wrapping the albumin around the active drug, Abraxane(TM) can be administered to patients at higher doses without the use of toxic solvents, which are often the cause of significant treatment-related side effects of other taxane chemotherapies.

Data from pivotal head-to-head trial results demonstrated that patients treated with Abraxane(TM) experienced nearly double the overall response rate when compared with Taxol® and achieved a 37 percent improvement in progression-free survival. Time to tumour progression was also significantly prolonged in patients receiving Abraxane(TM). Survival for patients treated with Abraxane(TM) was prolonged by 10 weeks.

When treated with Abraxane(TM), patients do not need to be premedicated before treatment to avoid allergic reactions that are sometimes caused by the solvents used to deliver other taxane chemotherapies. With a lower risk of allergic reaction, patients can receive treatment in as little at 30 minutes compared to over 3 hours needed for solvent-based taxanes. Patients who receive Abraxane(TM) are able to tolerate nearly twice the amount of active chemotherapy compared to other taxane drugs, and have a much better overall response rate1.

"We are pleased with the approval of Abraxane™ for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer in Canada. This approval provides doctors with an innovative new drug to aggressively treat advanced breast cancer," said Lyndal Walker, Vice-President of Abraxis Oncology.

Abraxane(TM) is currently in various stages of development globally for the treatment of the following cancers: non-small cell lung, malignant melanoma, ovarian, prostate, pancreatic, gastric, and head and neck.

Abraxis Oncology officially launched operations in Canada in August 2006. The company is focused on the proprietary pharmaceuticals business. It is engaged in clinical trials of its biopharmaceutical therapies.