Rempex Pharmaceuticals, Medicines Co. deal
The Medicines Co. acquired Rempex Pharmaceuticals for $140 million in cash up front, plus up to $214 million in development and regulatory milestones and $120 million in commercial milestones. Rempex is developing beta lactamase inhibitors and antibiotics for multi-drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. The company's Carbavance is an IV combination of RPX7009, a boron-containing beta lactamase inhibitor, and biapenem (RPX2003), a generic carbapenem antibiotic. Next year, the compound is slated to start Phase III testing for complicated urinary tract infections (cUTIs) and serious Gram-negative infections, with data expected in 2016.
The Medicines Co. already has one antibiotic in late-stage development. By year end, the company plans to submit an NDA to FDA for oritavancin - a semi-synthetic lipoglycopeptide antibiotic - to treat acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) caused by susceptible Gram-positive bacteria (see BioCentury, Nov. 18). ...