Citius Oncology Partners with Uniphar to Distribute LYMPHIR™ in Europe
Citius Oncology Expands Access to LYMPHIR across Europe
Citius Oncology, Inc., a key player in the oncology field and subsidiary of Citius Pharmaceuticals, has recently inked an exclusive distribution agreement with Uniphar, a prominent healthcare service provider. This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in Citius Oncology's mission to enhance access to their innovative therapy, LYMPHIR™, in European markets.
Enhancing Global Reach
On February 11, 2026, Citius announced that Uniphar would be responsible for the distribution of LYMPHIR™ across various territories in Western and Eastern Europe. This agreement signifies Citius's third international partnership, indicative of their commitment to broadening access to life-saving treatments worldwide. Leonard Mazur, CEO of Citius Oncology, emphasized that partnering with experienced organizations like Uniphar is crucial for expanding patient access to therapies such as LYMPHIR, especially for those with limited treatment options.
The LYMPHIR™ therapy is designed specifically for individuals suffering from relapsed or refractory cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Unfortunately, while well-intended, LYMPHIR is currently not approved for commercial use outside the United States. Thus, the product will only be available through managed access programs in select European countries, aligning with local regulations.
Uniphar's Role in Advancing Patient Care
Uniphar brings a wealth of experience in the healthcare sector, utilizing its extensive network to ensure that healthcare providers have the resources necessary to improve patient outcomes. Brian O'Shaughnessy, Chief Commercial Officer of Uniphar, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, affirming their collective goal of connecting patients with innovative therapies and improving treatment outcomes for conditions like CTCL.
Path to Responsible Expansion
Citius's focus on responsible growth is evident in their previous agreements covering Southern Europe, the Balkans, Turkey, and the Middle East. These collaborations reflect a strategic approach to international development through trustworthy partners that possess local market knowledge and established infrastructure. By aligning with Uniphar, Citius Oncology aims to further solidify their international presence and ensure patients can access potentially life-changing treatments.
The Unique Mechanism of LYMPHIR™
LYMPHIR (denileukin diftitox-cxdl) functions as a targeted immune therapy directed at specific types of CTCL following at least one prior systemic therapy. Composed of a recombinant fusion protein that combines a portion of diphtheria toxin with an IL-2 receptor binding domain, LYMPHIR is designed to specifically target and disrupt cancer cells associated with CTCL. This mechanism not only triggers cell death in malignant cells but also has the potential to deplete immunosuppressive T lymphocytes, which can hinder effective treatment responses.
LYMPHIR received regulatory approval in Japan in 2021 for treating relapsed or refractory CTCL, following Citius's licensing agreement to develop the therapy globally outside of specified Asian markets. The need for effective treatment options in this domain is substantial, with the current market estimated to exceed $400 million in initial revenue potential.
Understanding Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is a challenging form of skin cancer characterized by the development of lesions and significantly impacts patients’ quality of life. Generally seen in older adults, treatments for CTCL have traditionally been limited, with patients often exhausting multiple therapies during the course of their illness. Citius Oncology's initiative to extend LYMPHIR's availability is thus a critical advancement for this patient population as they seek more effective and less painful treatment options.
Through its partnership with Uniphar, Citius Oncology is taking a proactive approach to ensure that patients across Europe gain access to innovative therapies like LYMPHIR, reaffirming its position as a leader in oncology care and making strides toward global healthcare equity.