Pfizer Granted Rights to Sell Xiapex in Europe

The world's largest drug maker Pfizer has been approved to sell the Dupuytren's contracture treatment Xiapex in European markets.

Pfizer said Monday it received European Commission approval for the Dupuytren's contracture treatment Xiapex. The drug will be available in some European markets later this year.

Dupuytren's contracture makes the tendons of the hand thicken and shorten, causing the fingers to curve inward. New York-based Pfizer has marketing rights to sell the treatment in Europe.

Pfizer said Xiapex is the first injectable treatment to be approved in the European Union for Dupuytren's contracture.

Auxilium Pharmaceuticals Inc. has the rights to sell it in the rest of the world. The Malvern, Pa., company markets it in the United States as Xiaflex.