Optimer seeking alternatives

Optimer Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:OPTR) jumped $1.41 (13%) to $12.13 on Wednesday after the company's board said it is exploring strategic alternatives. JPMorgan and Centerview Partners are advising Optimer, which did not disclose details. Optimer co-promotes Dificid fidaxomicin with Cubist Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:CBST) in the U.S. to treat Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD). The drug is also approved to treat CDAD in the EU, where it is known as Dificlir. At Sept. 30, 2012, Optimer had $98.2 million in cash and a nine-month operating loss of $60.5 million. The company is slated to release 4Q12 and 2012 earnings on Thursday.

Additionally, Optimer said Chairman Henry McKinnell will become CEO. He will replace Pedro Lichtinger, who is stepping down as president, CEO and a director. McKinnell became chairman last April, when Optimer's board removed Chairman Michael Chang due to "lapses in corporate governance practices" (see BioCentury Extra, April 9, 2012). ...