AstraZeneca inks deal for Optimer's fidaxomicin in Latin America

USA-based Optimer Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: OPTR) says it has executed an exclusive agreement with Anglo-Swedish drug major AstraZeneca to commercialize fidaxomicin tablets for the treatment of Clostridium difficile Infection (CDI) in South America, including Brazil, Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean.

Under the terms of the deal, AstraZeneca is responsible for the commercialization of fidaxomicin in the territory covered by the collaboration and Optimer is entitled to receive an up-front payment of $1 million, up to $3 million in milestone payments on first commercial sale in certain countries, and up to $19 million in other milestone payments contingent on the achievement of sales-related targets for fidaxomicin in the territory. Optimer is further entitled to receive payments from AstraZeneca that provide a return resulting in a double digit percent of net sales in the territory under a fidaxomicin supply agreement.

"C. difficile infection is a global problem and this collaboration further advances our plans to make fidaxomicin available to patients in need globally," said Pedro Lichtinger, president and chief executive of Optimer, noting that "AstraZeneca has the infrastructure and expertise to commercialize fidaxomicin in the diverse range of countries that make up Central and South America, and they will be a strong partner moving forward."