Nycomed licenses US rights to ciclesonide drugs to Sepracor in deal worth up to $430M

Danish drugmaker Nycomed has granted Sepracor exclusive development, marketing and commercialization rights for its novel corticosteroid ciclesonide in the latter's home market, the USA. The compound is the active ingredient in the Alvesco inhalation aerosol for the treatment of asthma and in the Omnaris nasal spray for allergic rhinitis, which the US drugmaker hopes will complement its respiratory portfolio and is part of Nycomed's partnering approach in the world's largest pharmaceutical market.

As part of the deal, Sepracor will gain exclusive rights to ciclesonide in its domestic territory and expects to launch Omnaris at the start of the spring allergy season and Alvesco in the second half of the year. The firm says it will not only commercialize the two approved products, but plans to develop line extensions and additional products broadening its respiratory franchise.

Under the terms of the deal, Nycomed will receive an upfront amount of $150.0 million and subsequent payments upon the accomplishment of various development and sales milestones, which could include up to a further $280.0 million over the life of the agreement if all conditions are met. Nycomed will also receive compensation for providing finished product and royalties on sales of ciclesonide products.