Pharmanovia, a global pharmaceutical company focused on bringing both innovative specialty therapies and well-established medicines to patients, has announced the launch of catumaxomab in Germany. Marketed under the brand name Korjuny, the therapy becomes the first approved pharmacological treatment available in the country for people living with malignant ascites, a serious and debilitating condition associated with advanced cancer.
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Following the acquisition of exclusive commercialization rights for catumaxomab in 2024 through a partnership with Lindis Biotech, Pharmanovia has prioritized making this treatment accessible to patients who previously had limited options. The company has emphasized its commitment to addressing unmet needs by introducing therapies that reduce symptom burden and help preserve quality of life.
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Catumaxomab is a first-in-class trifunctional antibody designed to treat malignant ascites in adults with EpCAM-positive carcinomas who are not candidates for other systemic anticancer therapies. Malignant ascites occurs when fluid accumulates in the abdomen during advanced stages of cancer, leading to severe discomfort and a significant decline in daily functioning. Patients often experience abdominal swelling, pain, breathing difficulties, fatigue, and fever, making symptom management a critical aspect of care.
Stephen Deacon, Chief Scientific Officer at Pharmanovia, said the launch represents meaningful progress for patients in Germany living with malignant ascites. He explained that current care options are largely supportive, with frequent recurrence and repeated hospital visits. According to Deacon, catumaxomab offers a new approach by targeting tumor cells and activating the immune system, addressing the underlying disease process rather than simply managing symptoms.
Stephan Eder, Chief Executive Officer of Pharmanovia, noted that the launch marks an important milestone both for patients and for the company’s growth in specialty oncology. He stated that bringing catumaxomab to market reflects Pharmanovia’s commitment to delivering value to patients and healthcare systems by expanding access to novel treatments where few options previously existed.
Professor Dr. Pauline Wimberger, Scientific Chair of the inaugural Korjuny Advisory Board held in Frankfurt, highlighted the importance of maintaining quality of life for patients with cancer-related ascites. She shared that treatments capable of reducing invasive procedures, offering longer-lasting symptom relief, and potentially extending survival for some patient groups are highly valued. She added that catumaxomab represents a meaningful advancement by reducing tumor cell burden and addressing a pressing clinical need.
Dr. Horst Lindhofer, Chief Executive Officer of Lindis Biotech, described the German launch as a key milestone in the collaboration with Pharmanovia. He emphasized that the partnership reflects a shared goal of ensuring patients who can benefit from catumaxomab are able to access it, reinforcing both companies’ commitment to improving outcomes in oncology and addressing significant unmet medical needs.
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