XOMA transfers perindopril franchise rights to Symplmed

California, USA-based XOMA Corp (Nasdaq: XOMA) says it has transferred US development and commercialization rights to the perindopril franchise to stat-up Symplmed Pharmaceuticals. XOMA acquired the US perindopril franchise rights from independent French drugmaker Servier last year (The Pharma Letter January 18).

Under the terms of the agreement, XOMA will receive an equity position in Symplmed and up to double-digit royalties on sales of the fixed-dose combination (FDC) containing perindopril arginine and amlodipine besylate, if it is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Symplmed will, under a sublicense agreement, immediately assume US marketing responsibilities for Aceon (perindopril erbumine), and XOMA will continue to manage and be reimbursed for sales and distribution within its established commercial infrastructure.

Symplmed was founded by former XOMA employees, Erik Emerson and Jeffrey Feldstein, who serve as chief executive and chief medical officer, respectively, and August Troendle. Both Mr Emerson and Dr Feldstein have significant experience developing and marketing Food and Drug Administration-approved cardiovascular therapeutics and have been directly involved with the Aceon commercialization activities.