Member Article

North East pharma firm launches vaginal cream which could help thousands fighting cancer

Durham-based pharmaceutical manufacturer Quantum Pharma Plc has developed a vaginal cream designed to help treat some of the side effects experienced by patients undergoing cancer treatment.

Launched by Colonis, part of the firm’s Niche Pharmaceutical division, the Mucodis® Vaginal Cream supports the treatment of unpleasant symptoms induced by radiation vaginitis or vulvovaginitis, due to radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy treatment of pelvic tumours.

Of the approximately 172,000 women who are diagnosed with cancer each year, 20% (circa 34,500) will have cancers of the lower abdomen or pelvis. This condition is known to affect patients for years after the completion of their cancer treatment.

Approximately 352,000 patients in the UK are diagnosed annually with cancer and many experience painful or unpleasant side effects as they progress with their treatment.

The Mucodis® range provides the NHS with prescribable products to address a number of the side effects associated with cancer treatments including mucositis, radiation-induced dermatitis, vulvovaginitis and proctitis.

Colonis has been granted an exclusive distribution licence for these products for five years, with an option to extend beyond this initial period.

Since November 2015, Quantum has successfully launched the Mucodis® Mouthwash and Oral Mucosal Spray, Mucodis® Dermal Spray and Mucodis® Rectal Gel. The launch of Mucodis® Vaginal Cream today is the fifth product to be launched and it completes the initial Mucodis® range.

Chris Rigg, Acting Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officerof Quantum Pharma Plc, commented: “We are pleased to launch the Mucodis® Vaginal Cream to help treat the unpleasant and painful side effects of cancer treatment.

“This completes the initial range of our Mucodis® branded range of unique, cost effective and patented range of medical devices for the treatment of some of the side effects of oncology treatment. The cost to the NHS is highly competitive versus other products in this area.

“Whilst it is relatively early following the launch of the range, and as such we are still in the market access phase, the initial response from clinical teams at hospitals has been encouraging, and the use in their units has provided favourable patient feedback. We are positive on the outlook for the range over the short to medium term.”