Spain OKs Bentley cancer drug

Bentley Pharmaceuticals has won its first approval to market a genetic cancer drug in Spain, a $65 million market, the company announced Wednesday.

The Exeter-based generic pharmaceuticals company, whose major subsidiary and marketing is in Europe, particularly Spain, said the drug – bicalutamide – is the equivalent of Casodex, which prevents the growth of prostate cancer by blocking the effects of androgens on the cancer cells. The product is orally administered as a 50 mg, tablet, a market that has grown 12 percent in the last months.

Before launching bicalutamide, the company must apply for product pricing and build an inventory – BOB SANDERS