Aloxi® (palonosetron), a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist approved for the prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with emetogenic cancer chemotherapy, is marketed in the Nordic region pursuant to an exclusive distribution agreement with Helsinn Healthcare SA.
Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) represents a frequent complication occurring in patients receiving chemotherapy to treat cancer. Several of the most commonly used chemotherapeutic agents stimulate the release of serotonin by cells located in the gastrointestinal tract. Activated serotonin subtype 3 (5-HT3) receptors stimulate the emetic centre located in the medulla thus inducing nausea and vomiting, which are ranked by patients to be among the most severe side effects of chemotherapy. 5-HT3 receptor antagonist products are the mainstay of the anti-emetic treatment for patients receiving highly and moderately emetogenic chemotherapy and their administration is generally guaranteed to all patients at risk of CINV.
Aloxi offers the clinical advantage of a stronger protection in the first day of CINV, as well as an effect that lasts for up to five days following a single dose administration.