Cubist, Optimer infectious news
Cubist disclosed in an Aug. 27 SEC filing that it expressed interest multiple times in acquiring partner Optimer prior to the companies' July deal. According to the filing, Cubist CEO Michael Bonney sent Optimer CEO Pedro Lichtinger a letter in March 2012, stating Cubist's interest in acquiring Optimer at $20 per share. Optimer's board rejected the offer. In June 2012, Bonney orally expressed Cubist's interest in acquiring Optimer at $25 per share. However, when Lichtinger indicated he was not personally supportive of the transaction, Bonney informed him that Cubist's expression of interest was withdrawn.
In late summer of 2012, it "became apparent to Optimer that the growth of Dificid had slowed." Optimer co-promotes Dificid fidaxomicin with Cubist in the U.S. to treat Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD). Optimer launched Dificid in the U.S. in July 2011 and in Canada in June 2012. In September 2012, Cubist formally withdrew its offer to acquire Optimer for $25 per share because the company thought Dificid's long-term value could be reduced by Optimer's contemplated patient access initiatives. ...