Fennec Pharmaceuticals Announces Settlement Agreement Resolving PEDMARK Patent Litigation

Core Insights - Fennec Pharmaceuticals has reached a settlement with Cipla regarding the litigation over Cipla's application to market a generic version of PEDMARK, with Cipla agreeing not to enter the market until September 1, 2033, or earlier under specific conditions [1] Company Overview - Fennec Pharmaceuticals is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on reducing ototoxicity in cancer patients undergoing cisplatin-based chemotherapy [14] - PEDMARK is the first FDA-approved therapy to reduce the risk of ototoxicity associated with cisplatin treatment in pediatric patients aged 1 month and older with localized, non-metastatic solid tumors [2][6] Product Details - PEDMARK is a unique formulation of sodium thiosulfate available in single-dose, ready-to-use vials for intravenous use [2] - The product has been endorsed by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) for the adolescent and young adult population with a 2A recommendation [3] Market Context - Approximately 500,000 patients in the U.S. are diagnosed annually with cancers treatable by platinum-based chemotherapy, with many experiencing lifelong hearing loss due to ototoxicity [4] - Prior to PEDMARK's FDA approval, there were no preventative agents for hearing loss resulting from cancer treatment, significantly impacting patients' quality of life [4] Clinical Studies - PEDMARK has been validated through two Phase 3 clinical studies, COG ACCL0431 and SIOPEL 6, demonstrating its efficacy in reducing ototoxicity [5] - The COG ACCL0431 study included various childhood cancers treated with intensive cisplatin therapy, while SIOPEL 6 focused on hepatoblastoma patients [5] Regulatory and Commercialization Status - PEDMARK received FDA approval in September 2022 and has also been approved in Europe and the U.K. under the brand name PEDMARQSI [14][15] - Fennec has entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with Norgine Pharmaceuticals for the commercialization of PEDMARQSI in Europe, the U.K., Australia, and New Zealand [15] - The product has Orphan Drug Exclusivity in the U.S. and Pediatric Use Marketing Authorization in Europe, providing significant market protection [16]