Actavis to buy Durata Therapeutics for US$675m
Will add Dalvance, an intravenous antibiotic for treating skin infections, to its portfolio
Dublin-headquartered speciality pharmaceutical company Actavis is to buy Durata Therapeutics, based in Chicago, IL, and its antibiotic Dalvance for US$675m.
Dalvance (dalbavancin) is an intravenous antibiotic for treating acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) and it is also being developed for additional indications, such as hospitalised community-acquired pneumonia and paediatric osteomyelitis.
The product was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May as a Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP). A Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) for dalbavancin is under review with the European Medicines Agency, with a decision anticipated in the first half of next year.
Brent Saunders, CEO and President of Actavis, said the acquisition of Durata is 'a strong strategic fit that strengthens Actavis' emerging infectious disease franchise and aligns with our stated goal to make smart, targeted investments'.
He added that Dalvance complements the company's antibiotic Teflaro (ceftaroline fosamil) and ceftazidine-avibactam combination, currently in late-stage development, which are intended for use in the inpatient setting.
With its once-a-week dosing for two weeks, and potential single-dose formulation, Dalvance's dosing regimen offers a more convenient and potentially less costly approach to the treatment of serious skin infections by allowing patients, healthcare professionals and hospitals to move beyond the standard daily or twice-daily IV antibiotic infusions.
