(Updates with further comment from company, market value estimate)
ZURICH (Thomson Financial) - Bioxell SpA is considering forming a partnership to market its key prostate drug Elocalcitol, CEO Francesco Sinigaglia said at the pharmaceutical group's R&D day in Zurich.
'After the convincing phase-IIb clinical test results, we received a number of inquiries from large and medium-sized pharma companies which operate in the urology segment,' said Sinigaglia.
Among the inquiries were concrete requests for due diligence studies, he added.
'But we are keeping all our options open and are in a very good position,' said Sinigaglia.
The group's business officer Betrand Lehuu said it is looking for only one partner, and is open to the possibility of licensing and co-production.
Earlier, Bioxell said it is starting a phase IIa clinical trial that will investigate if Elocalcitol can improve sperm quality in infertile male patients. The drug is also currently being tested for the treatment of prostate growth and alleviating adverse urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Sales potential for Elocalcitol for the treatment of BPH is seen at around 5.3 bln usd, said Lehuu.
The current market for overactive bladder medicines is valued at around 2.3 bln usd and could climb to 3.5 bln usd by 2010, said Lehuu.
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