Raptor acquires fluoroquinolone antibiotic Quinsair from Tripex

Quinsair is an inhaled formulation of levofloxacin, which already received approval in the European Union and Canada. It is used to manage chronic pulmonary infections due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa in adult patients with cystic fibrosis.

Under the deal, Tripex has received around $34.2m in cash and is eligible to secure contingent payments of up to $350m associated with development, regulatory and commercial milestones.

The deal, which also includes the payment of single digit royalty on future global net sales, provides Raptor with exclusive global rights and assets to develop, manufacture and commercialize Quinsair.

Raptor Pharmaceutical president and CEO Julie Anne Smith said: "The acquisition of Quinsair adds another significant product to our rare disease franchise.

"We are excited about our plans to launch the drug in Europe and Canada beginning in the first half of 2016, initiate a clinical program in 2016 in at least one of nontuberculous mycobacteria and/or bronchiectasis and engage with the FDA regarding a path to potential approval in the US in cystic fibrosis."

Pari Pharma’s eFlow nebulizer system is used to administer Quinsair, allowing in the effective delivery of active drug directly to the site of infection in around five minutes.

The safety of Quinsair was assessed in two double-blind and placebo-controlled studies, as well as in an active comparator study in which the most frequently reported adverse reactions were cough/productive cough, dysgeusia and fatigue/asthenia.