MedImmune regains U.S. Synagis rights

MEDI regained from partner ABT full U.S. rights to market and distribute Synagis palivizumab to prevent pediatric RSV infection. Under a 1997 deal, ABT had U.S. co-promotion rights to the first-generation MAb against RSV. ABT retains exclusive rights to market and distribute the product outside the U.S.

MEDI will take over all product sales in the U.S. after June 30, 2006. MEDI will pay a portion of Synagis U.S. sales to ABT through 2006, plus incentive payments based on U.S. sales levels during the 2005-06 RSV season. Synagis had $483 million in U.S. sales in the first half of 2005. If MEDI's Numax motivizumab, a next-generation MAb against RSV, is not approved in the U.S. by Sept. 1, 2008, MEDI will make additional payments to ABT based upon Synagis sales for up to two years. ABT has ex-U.S. rights to distribute and market Numax, which is in Phase III trials. Further terms were not disclosed. ...