Allergan, Novavax deal

The companies will end a 2005 deal under which NVAX manufactures and supplies Estrasorb to AGN. AGN will retain North American rights to market the topical 17-beta estradiol emulsion to reduce moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms in menopausal women. AGN received the rights through its acquisition of Esprit Pharma Inc., with whom NVAX struck the original deal (see BioCentury, Oct. 24, 2005 & Oct. 22). NVAX plans to manufacture the remaining orders of Estrasorb and will close its Philadelphia manufacturing facility. NVAX said the move will reduce its cash burn and that Estrasorb was not strategic to the company's core vaccine business. ...