RiboGene deal

RiboGene (Hayward, Calif.) acquired Darby Pharmaceuticals Inc., which specializes in the development of proprietary pharmaceutical dosage forms of approved drugs applied to unmet medical needs. RiboGene said the acquisition will accelerate its commercial development through the in-licensing of drugs for infectious diseases and immunocompromised patients.

Acquisition terms are $4.4 million in cash, payable over four years and a warrant to purchase shares of RiboGene stock. In the deal, RiboGene received three products that fit into its areas of therapeutic interest in viral diseases and cancer. Emitasol, an intranasal form of metoclopramide, is in Phase III trials to treat nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. RiboGene expects to file an NDA by early 1995. The two other products in the deal that fit RiboGene's focus are RG003 for chemotherapy-associated immunosuppression and a product for bladder cancer. ...