Sanofi Division Winthrop US Launches Generic Eloxatin

Sanofi announced that its generic division, Winthrop U.S., has launched the generic version of Eloxatin (oxaliplatin injection).

Eloxatin is a platinum-based drug used in combination with infusional 5–fluorouracil/leucovorin indicated for treatment of advanced colorectal cancer. Eloxatin increases the tumor response rate to 5-FU-LV treatment. The therapy is also used as adjuvant treatment for stage III colon cancer in patients who have gone through complete primary tumor resection.

In 2007 Sanofi reported that the addition of Eloxatin to standard chemotherapy significantly lengthened survival for patients and delayed disease progression. Eloxatin was first marketed in 1996 in France and has since received approval in more than 55 countries. The company holds the original patent for Eloxatin and will launch the generic version in 50 mg and 100 mg single-use vials for injection.

Charles Hugh-Jones, CMO of Sanofi North America, said that the company continues to open wider access to its drugs with more affordable options for patients. “The availability of an authorized generic version of Eloxatin is welcome news for patients and physicians alike,” he said. Winthrop works with Sanofi’s branded products and supplies authorized generics of the drugs.

Colorectal cancer, also called colon cancer, is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in both men and women in the U.S. Early diagnosis is key to treatment and management of the disease. The 5-year survival rate of patients with colon cancer is 90 percent when diagnosed early, however only 40 percent receive timely diagnosis.

Aside from Eloxatin, Sanofi has also developed Zaltrap (ziv-aflibercept) injection for intravenous infusion combined with 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, irinotecan (FOLFIRI) together with Regeneron. Zaltrap is indicated in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) that is resistant to or has progressed after an oxaliplatin-containing regimen. Zaltrap was approved in 2012 under priority review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).