Cancer patch firm secures US deal

The company has been developing the patch for the past five years

A Borders drugs company has broken into the American pharmaceutical market with a deal worth up to $100m a year.

Galashiels-based ProStrakan has developed a patch which will help prevent sickness suffered by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

On Sunday, the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted approval for the patch, which is called Sancuso.

The firm is seeking European approval for Sancuso and are waiting for the go ahead for another two drugs in the US.

The patch, which Prostrakan has been developing for the past five years, is said to prevent severe nausea and vomiting for cancer sufferers undergoing treatment.

The deal means the firm hopes to double its £47m turnover.

It employs 70 staff at its Galashiels headquarters.