Salix in deal for new rifaximin formulation
Alfa Wassermann S.p.A. (Bologna, Italy) granted Salix Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (NASDAQ:SLXP) rights in the U.S. and Canada to develop and commercialize an extended intestinal release formulation of rifaximin for gastrointestinal and respiratory indications, including Crohn's disease. Alfa will receive $10 million up front and is eligible for $25 million on FDA approval of an NDA for an extended intestinal release formulation for Crohn's disease. Alfa also is eligible for sales-based milestones, plus royalties.
Under a 1996 license from Alfa, Salix markets two immediate-release dose strengths of rifaximin as Xifaxan in the U.S. and Canada: a 550 mg dose to reduce the risk of overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE) recurrence in patients with advanced liver disease; and a 200 mg dose to treat travelers' diarrhea caused by noninvasive strains of Escherichia coli. ...