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This patent is the ninth US patent granted to ScinoPharm and the secondpatent for one of the company's high demand oncology products, irinotecanhydrochloride. ScinoPharm has already been granted a US Patent No. 7,157,179covering the proprietary process for the preparation of a key intermediate ofirinotecan hydrochloride.
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The present invention provides crystalline forms of irinotecanhydrochloride that are more easily filtered from solution as compared to theexisting forms of irinotecan hydrochloride. This increased ease of filteringpromotes more efficient handling and processing of irinotecan hydrochlorideduring the manufacturing process, thus facilitating the formulation of new andimproved pharmaceutical compositions which contain irinotecan hydrochloride.
"That we were awarded a US patent while other patent applications for thesame polymorph are still pending in many other countries demonstrates ourcompetence in the development and manufacture of oncological drug substances,"stated Dr. Hardy Chan, CSO and Executive Vice President of ScinoPharm.
"And yet again we solidify our position as the world's leading supplier ofirinotecan hydrochloride to the generic industry with adequate patentprotection and continuous commitment to innovation," Dr. Chan added.
The latest patent adds to ScinoPharm's growing patent portfolio which nowconsists of 11 granted patents and more than 24 patent applications in theUnited States and abroad for a wide range of products.
Irinotecan hydrochloride, a cancer drug most commonly used to treatpatients with metastatic carcinoma of the colon or rectum, became generic inthe US in February 2008. Annual sales of the drug in the US market alone wereapproximately US$556 million in 2007, according to IMS Health data.
To provide broad access to markets worldwide, ScinoPharm has registered aDrug Master File (DMF) for irinotecan hydrochloride in 40 countries, includingthe United States and most European countries.
Specializing in the development and manufacture of highly potent compoundswith proprietary processes, ScinoPharm is among the leading companiessupplying oncological API. In addition to irinotecan hydrochloride, ScinoPharmoffers 20 other products in its oncological line, including paclitaxel anddocetaxel.
About ScinoPharm Taiwan
ScinoPharm Taiwan, Ltd. is a leading high quality API supplier to theglobal pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry. We provide a full range ofAPI services from process development, and production of early phase clinicaltrial material to large-scale manufacturing for commercial launches. Thecompany currently serves more than 190 customers worldwide. For moreinformation, please visit the company's web site at http://www.scinopharm.com .Media Contact: ScinoPharm Taiwan, Ltd. Jessie Wang Tel: +886-6-505-2888 Email: [email protected]
SOURCE ScinoPharm Taiwan, Ltd.