Par and Valeant to co-promote Cesamet for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting

By Angela McDaniels

Seattle, Nov. 3 - Par Pharmaceutical Cos. Inc. said it has entered into an agreement with Valeant Pharmaceuticals North America to promote the antiemetic drug Cesamet (nabilone) following approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Cesamet is a cannabinoid pharmaceutical for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in patients who do not respond to conventional antiemetic treatments.

Under the terms of the agreement, Par will promote Cesamet to physicians in the United States. Valeant will record sales of Cesamet and fund all marketing expenses associated with the product.

Valeant acquired Cesamet from Eli Lilly & Co. in 2004 and currently markets the product in Canada. Par said Cesamet now holds an 85% share of total prescriptions in the Canadian cannabinoid market.

Compared to similar cannabinoid treatment options, Par said Cesamet has a longer duration of action, which allows for less frequent dosing. The company further noted that the absence of tetrahydrocannabinol in the drug will allow patients to avoid any issues with drug testing for employment or associated stigmas.

"Cesamet's unique profile will benefit many of the patients suffering with chemotherapy-induced emesis who have not responded to other therapies. The product also represents an ideal complement to Par's Megace ES and will permit us to utilize our sales force more efficiently," said Scott Tarriff, president and chief executive officer of Par, in the news release.

Par Pharmaceutical is based in Spring Valley, N.Y., and develops generic pharmaceuticals through its principal subsidiary, Par Pharmaceutical Inc. The company also develops branded pharmaceutical products for specialty markets.

Costa Mesa, Calif.-based Valeant Pharmaceuticals North America is a subsidiary of Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, which develops a broad range of pharmaceutical products.

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