On June 28, 2019 Athenex, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATNX), a global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development and commercialization of novel therapies for the treatment of cancer, reported that the Company has strategically expanded its presence in Europe and Latin America to grow its global clinical research and development capacity (Press release, Athenex, JUN 28, 2019, View Source [SID1234573890]). The Company believes these initiatives have the potential to enhance Athenex’s capacity to conduct global clinical studies and support its regional marketing decision process. They are part of the Company’s strategy to build on its current strong presence in U.S. and Asia, and help maximize the global potential of its pipeline.
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Athenex’s oncology-focused pipeline currently has nine clinical candidates, including two drug candidates in Phase III development. In line with the Company’s goal to expand its capability and bandwidth to optimize global development and commercialization of its pipeline products, Athenex has been evaluating operational opportunities in Europe and Latin America.
As part of Athenex’s strategy to establish operations in Europe, the second largest healthcare market in the world, the Company has formed a subsidiary in the United Kingdom and established offices in Manchester. The Company is currently conducting clinical studies in the United Kingdom and intends to continue expanding its research and development capabilities in the region.
In Latin America, Athenex recently entered into a definitive agreement to acquire certain assets of CIDAL Limited in exchange for shares of Athenex common stock, subject to customary closing conditions. CIDAL is a contract research organization with headquarters in Guatemala and operations in various countries in Latin America. CIDAL has provided important CRO services and support to Athenex, including for its Phase III study of oral paclitaxel and encequidar for metastatic breast cancer. The asset purchase is expected to strengthen Athenex’s clinical research and operations capabilities and support the Company’s clinical development worldwide.
"These initiatives represent an important step in our ongoing strategic efforts to expand our clinical research and operations for global development, with the potential for increased clinical research efficiencies and cost-effectiveness" said Dr. Johnson Lau, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Athenex. "Our office in Manchester will enable us to evaluate the best strategy for Europe, an important market for Athenex. We have been engaging with many experienced pharma/biotech specialists who are already contributing to our research programs and look forward to working more closely with these talents. We are also delighted to extend our operations in Latin America through CIDAL, which we believe will increase our bandwidth for clinical research and regulatory development. We believe having a stronger presence in these territories will position us well to evaluate new R&D and commercialization opportunities in Europe and Latin America."