OTTAWA, Nov. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - MDS Nordion, a leader in the nuclear medicine industry, is collaborating with GlaxoSmithKline Inc. (GSK), to supply and manufacture the radiopharmaceutical component, iodine-131 (I-131), used in Bexxar(TM) therapy. Made by GSK, Bexxar is the latest in a new generation of patient-tailored cancer treatments that specifically targets non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) cells, while minimizing risk to surrounding healthy cells.
Recently approved in Canada, and now available, Bexxar is a radioimmunotherapy indicated for the treatment of patients with CD20 positive relapsed or refactory, low grade, follicular, or transformed NHL, including patients with rituximab-refractory NHL. The I-131 component of Bexxar allows the treatment to be given at a dose specific to individual patient characteristics, thereby reducing the risk of either under or over-dosing of radiation. Usually given in an outpatient setting, Bexxar is administered in a short course of treatment and can provide long-lasting responses in some patients whose disease has not responded to other treatments.
“Working with organizations like MDS Nordion has been important to bringing Bexxar to Canadian patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma,” said Dr. John Dillon, Vice-President Medical Division and Chief Medical Officer, GlaxoSmithKline Inc. “We are pleased that through our ongoing relationship we may be able to have a significant, positive impact on patients’ lives.”
“Working with GSK provides MDS Nordion with an opportunity to build and strengthen our relationship while delivering Bexxar to the Canadian healthcare industry,” said Steve West, President of MDS Nordion. “Radioimmunotherapy has been, and continues to be, vital, valuable and necessary in cancer therapy. Our 60-plus years of experience have made it possible for MDS Nordion to provide new and innovative cancer treatments, like Bexxar, to physicians and patients, making a difference in people’s lives.”
As a radioimmunotherapy, Bexxar is less invasive than surgery, with mostly mild to moderate side effects, compared to traditional forms of cancer therapy, and enables routine out-patient administration so patients can return home following treatment. Bexxar is a combination of two essential components: a cytotoxic monoclonal antibody (tositumomab) which targets the tumour, and the patient-specific radiation of I-131 that delivers the therapeutic dose.
NHL is a group of cancers that affects the patient’s lymphatic system. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, the incidence of NHL in Canada continues to rise with an approximate 6,400 new cases in 2005 and 3,000 deaths as a result of the disease.
About MDS Nordion
MDS Nordion (www.mds.nordion.com) is a world leader in radioisotopes, radiation and related technologies. MDS Nordion is part of MDS Inc. . MDS Inc. has more than 8,800 highly skilled people in 27 countries. We provide a diverse range of superior products and services to increase our customers’ speed, precision and productivity in the drug development and disease diagnosis processes. We are a global, values-driven health and life sciences company, recognized for our reliability and collaborative relationships as we help create better outcomes in the treatment of disease. Find out more at www.mdsinc.com or by calling 1-888-MDS-7222, 24 hours a day.
BEXXAR(TM) is used under license by GlaxoSmithKline Inc.
MDS Nordion; MDS Inc.
CONTACT: Shelley Maclean, External Communications, MDS Nordion, Tel: (613)592-3400 ext. 2414, E-mail: shelley.maclean@mdsinc.com
