SkyePharma sees Sular development on the Horizon
UK-based SkyePharma has agreed to develop a new controlled-release version of Sular (nisoldipine), an anti-hypertensive and First Horizon's best selling product. The SkyePharma version will have an improved pharmacokinetic profile and is expected to replace the current version and to expand the market opportunity for Sular.
UK-based SkyePharma has agreed to develop a new controlled-release version of Sular (nisoldipine), an anti-hypertensive and First Horizon's best selling product. The SkyePharma version will have an improved pharmacokinetic profile and is expected to replace the current version and to expand the market opportunity for Sular.
Frank Condella, SkyePharma's ceo, said: "SkyePharma's core competency is the development of improved formulations of existing products. This new agreement reinforces our activities in this area now that we are focusing on our core business of oral and inhalation products. We are also pleased to expand our collaboration with First Horizon, a fast growing US pharmaceutical company."
Nisoldipine, the active ingredient in Sular, is an antihypertensive agent used to reduce blood pressure. It is estimated that 65m Americans currently have elevated blood pressure, a recognised risk factor for stroke and heart attacks, and this number is increasing. First Horizon's cardiovascular and metabolic product portfolio sales amounted to US$145m in 2005.
SkyePharma will receive a mid-single digit royalty on net sales of Sular CR and a total of up to $5m in milestone payments. $1m has been paid at signing and up to $4m will be paid on obtaining approval by the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA), which is expected in 2008.
SkyePharma says it may manufacture and supply the product from its Lyon manufacturing facility. First Horizon will fund all of SkyePharma's development costs for Sular CR and will market this product through its sales force.