Third time's a charm

Despite the lack of success in the hands of two previous hosts, Zogenix Inc. and its venture backers saw potential in the DosePro delivery technology and succeeded by focusing resources on the lead drug-device product as the key to validating the platform. With an FDA approval now in hand for Sumavel DosePro, a needle-free version of subcutaneous sumatriptan, the company hopes to answer any doubts about the scalability of the device over the coming months to attract prospective partners.

Zogenix and Astellas Pharma Inc., its newly-signed co-promotion partner, believe the product's rapid onset and needle-free administration will carve out a niche in the acute migraine market. The companies plan to launch Sumavel DosePro in January...