NeurogesX will pocket $49M up front.
NeurogesX and Astellas Pharma Europe inked an exclusive distribution, marketing, and license agreement for the commercialization of Qutenza™ in the European Economic Area (EEA) including the 27 countries of the European Union, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein as well as Switzerland, certain countries in Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Astellas will commercialize Qutenza in the above-mentioned territories and perform certain development of Qutenza including post-marketing commitments, to support Qutenza in the EU market. NeurogesX will receive €30 million (approximately $42 million) for Qutenza commercialization rights, and €5 million (approximately $7 million) for a license option of NGX-1998, the next-generation liquid formulation which uses the same active ingredient as Qutenza.
NeurogesX is eligible for additional sales-based milestone payments and additional option payments related to the liquid formulation totaling approximately €70 million ($97 million) and royalties based on a double-digit percentage of net sales for Qutenza.
The agreement closely follows the European Commission’s approval received in May 2009, of Qutenza (capsaicin 179 mg) cutaneous patch for the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain in non-diabetic adults, either alone or in combination with other medicinal pain products.
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