US-based pharmaceutical firm Zogenix has entered into a development and option agreement (D&O Agreement) with Altus Formulation (Altus) to develop abuse deterrent formulations of Zohydro ER (hydrocodone bitartrate) extended-release capsules, using Altus's proprietary Intellitab drug delivery platform.
Simultaneous to the deal, both the firm's have started development of alternative abuse deterrent formulations of Zohydro ER.
As part of the deal, Altus has granted Zogenix an option to enter into an exclusive license on mutually agreed terms to develop and commercialize abuse deterrent formulations of Zohydro ER in the US.
The deal will also see Zogenix pay Altus a technology access fee in the amount of $750,000 as well as fund all development activities, while Altus might earn about an additional $3.5m in development and regulatory milestones through submission of a new drug application (NDA).
If the option is exercised, Altus will be eligible to receive additional undisclosed regulatory and sales milestone payments and a royalty based on net sales of the licensed product.
Zogenix president Stephen Farr said, "The technology developed by Altus can be customized to match the current pharmacokinetic profile of Zohydro ER, which we believe, in turn, will allow us to bridge to the safety and efficacy established in the recently approved New Drug Application."