Azimilide finds its way to Forest
Blue Ash Therapeutics LLC (Cincinnati, Ohio) granted Forest Laboratories Inc. (NYSE:FRX) exclusive, worldwide rights to antiarrhythmic candidate azimilide. Last year, Blue Ash licensed the potassium channel blocker from Warner Chilcott plc (NASDAQ:WCRX), which acquired the product in 2009 from original developer Procter & Gamble Co. (NYSE:PG). In 2006, FDA asked for an additional clinical trial before approving azimilide for patients with a history of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and who have an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), a group for which Forest said there are no approved antiarrhythmics. Forest is preparing to begin a Phase III trial. Blue Ash will receive an upfront payment and is eligible for milestones. Warner Chilcott is eligible for royalties. ...