Sepracor regulatory update

SEPR received U.S. Patent No. 5,375,693 covering the use of terfenadine carboxylate, the active metabolite of the non-sedating antihistamine terfenadine. The patent covers a compound that is in advanced clinical trials by Marion Merrell Dow Inc., which markets terfenadine under several trade names, including Seldane in the U.S. The product had 1993 sales of $750 million, SEPR said.

Under a 1993 licensing agreement, MMD will develop the compound, while SEPR (Marlborough, Mass.) will receive royalty payments beginning in March 1998, based on sales of the product. ...