Raptor Pharmaceutical Co. plans to launch Quinsair inhaled levofloxacin inhalation solution in Europe and Canada by mid-2016, the company said after announcing that it has agreed to pay Tripex Pharmaceuticals $68.4 million upfront and up to $350 million in milestone payments and royalties to acquire global rights to the product. Quinsair (formerly Aeroquin) was approved for the treatment of P. aeruginosa infections in adult cystic fibrosis patients by the European Commission in March 2015 and by Health Canada in June 2015.
Tripex CEO Daniel Burgess commented, “We are extremely excited to be entering into this agreement with Raptor. We strongly believe Raptor has the global presence and experience in successfully developing and launching orphan products to help realize Quinsair’s full commercial potential and bring this drug to the patients that need it the most.”
Raptor President and CEO Julie Anne Smith said, “The Quinsair acquisition is transformational for Raptor and delivers on our strategic focus to develop and commercialize therapies that bring significant relief to patients and families living with life-threatening diseases. This acquisition expands our portfolio and leverages both our commercial and development expertise in rare diseases. By acquiring Quinsair prior to its launch, we will be able to exclusively shape its commercial strategy and potential in cystic fibrosis and other rare diseases.”
The company says that it plans discussions with the FDA regarding Quinsair for the treatment of CF in 2016. It is also considering development of the inhalation solution for the treatment of bronchiectasis and nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) lung infections.
Aeroquin was originally developed by Mpex Pharmaceuticals, which was headed by Daniel Burgess when it was acquired by Axcan in 2011. Axcan became Aptalis, which was acquired in 2014 by Forest Laboratories, which was subsequently acquired by Actavis.
The marketing application for Quinsair was filed by Aptalis according to EMA documents. Tripex Pharmaceuticals was registered in Delaware in January 2015; it’s unclear how it acquired Quinsair.
Read the Raptor Pharmaceutical press release.
