Oral Mucositis Treatment, Gelclair®, Launched In US

Date: Apr-24-2013The Swiss pharmaceutical Helsinn Group, a leading player in the cancer supportive care
arena, have announced that DARA BioSciences, Inc., a U.S. specialty pharmaceutical
company focused on oncology and oncology supportive care products, has launched
Gelclair(R)into the U.S. market. Gelclair(R) is manufactured by the Helsinn Group and is
an FDA-cleared product indicated for the treatment of oral mucositis.

Oral mucositis is a painful inflammation and ulceration of the surface of the mouth
and throat, which can result from a variety of cancer treatments. Gelclair(R) provides
oral mucositis patients rapid and effective relief of pain. Oral mucositis is common in
cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy and occurs when the
protective oral mucosa is denuded, potentially resulting in pain, infection, weight loss,
decreased quality of life, treatment delay and increased economic costs.

Helsinn Group Chief Executive Officer, Riccardo Braglia, said, "We are pleased that
DARA is launching Gelclair(R) in the United States, and importantly, that U.S. patients
will again be able to benefit from this treatment. We believe this is an important
milestone in building the long-term relationship between our companies. It will also add
the most important market worldwide to the other 30 where Gelclair(R) is already marketed
in Europe, Latin America and Asia."

David J. Drutz, MD, DARA's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Medical Officer, stated,
"We are thrilled to be launching Gelclair(R), our third product into the U.S. market,
having recently introduced Soltamox(R) (tamoxifen citrate) oral solution, the first and
only liquid version of tamoxifen citrate. We believe this underpins our mission of
becoming a leader in the oncology and oncology supportive care market and exemplifies our
commitment to executing against our corporate plan."

Courtesy: Medical News Today Note: Any medical information available in this news section is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional.