Israeli biopharmaceutical company Kamada will receive milestone payments of $60 million as part of a 12-year distribution agreement with Chiesi Farmaceutici for Kamada’s inhaled alpha-1 antitrypsin for the treatment of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD-IH). Chiesi will distribute the inhalation solution in Europe, Turkey and former CIS countries. Kamada expects clinical studies to be completed in 2013 and expects to launch the product in 2015.
Kamada CEO David Tsur commented, “I’m proud and pleased with this strategic distribution agreement for the inhaled AAT product. . . . Chiesi is an ideal partner for Kamada for its specialty, large experience and impressive reputation in the respiratory market. This allows us to best prepare for market penetration immediately after the successful completion of the pivotal clinical trial and receipt of all necessary approvals. I’m confident that Kamada’s advanced technology alongside Chiesi’s sales and marketing abilities will ensure the success of this partnership.”
“We are glad to add Inhaled AAT to our already strong late stage pipeline as it represents a perfect fit with Chiesi strategy, being a special care product with Orphan Drug status targeting a respiratory disease, consolidating our leadership position in some key countries,” said Chiesi CEO Ugo Di Francesco.
Kamada is also developing inhaled AAT for the treatment of cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis.
Read the Kamada and Chiesi press release.
