Eisai to buy certain Zonegran rights from Elan for up to $130M

Japanese drugmaker Eisai is to buy Irish firm Elan's interests in the antiepileptic drug Zonegran (zonisamide) for the USA, Canada, Mexico and Europe. Under the terms of the accord, if the transaction closes by April 30, Eisai will pay Elan a total consideration of around $130 million. Along with the Zonegran rights come related assets and liabilities, inventory of the drug valued at $26 million and the associated sales team of around 115 people. If the deal is delayed, the amount paid will be adjusted. Elan may also earn future deferred purchase payments of up to $110 million, primarily contingent on when generic zonisamide is introduced in the USA.