Furiex Pharmaceuticals, J&J, Menarini sales and marketing update

Johnson & Johnson's Alza Corp. and Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V. subsidiaries said it will transfer to Furiex worldwide rights to commercialize Priligy dapoxetine. The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) is marketed in the EU, Asia and Latin America to treat premature ejaculation (PE) and is approved in 43 countries. The deal is expected to close next quarter. Alza will receive $15 million up front and is eligible for $20 million in potential on-going clinical study costs and expenses. Furiex will also pay Alza for sales and distribution expenses.

Furiex was previously eligible for milestones and royalties under a deal with Johnson & Johnson, which gained rights to dapoxetine through its acquisition of Alza Corp. in 2001 (see BioCentury, June 25, 2001). ...