PharmaMar is entering a commercialization and distribution license agreement with Megapharm for the marine-derived anticancer drug Aplidin (plitidepsin) in Israel and the territory known as the Palestinian Authority.

The drug is for the treatment of multiple myeloma and angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma. 

Under the agreement, Megapharm will register Aplidin on behalf of PharmaMar and distribute the compound in both regions. PharmaMar will retain exclusive production rights and will supply the finished product for clinical and commercial use. 

PharmaMar announced in March 2016 that plitidepsin had positive results in a pivotal Phase III clinical trial (ADMYRE) for multiple myeloma.

Miron Drucker, chief executive officer of Megapharm, said, “The agreement between PharmaMar and Megapharm offers a major advance for healthcare in our territory as Aplidin provides a novel mechanism of action for treating multiple myeloma; we hope to bring access to the most innovative treatments to our patients in Israel and the territory known as the Palestinian Authority.”