The acquisition will grant Teva access to MicroDose’s current pipeline, centered on MDT-637 for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) - an inhaled, low dose, small molecule, fusion inhibitor which prevents viral replication, delivered via MicroDose’s proprietary technology which includes its multi-dose dry powder nebulizer device.
“Respiratory was highlighted in our strategy as a key therapeutic area for growth,” Teva spokesperson Denise Bradley told in-Pharmatechnologist.com. “This acquisition fits directly within our strategy.”
According to the company’s annual report from last December, the Israel-headquartered firm intended to focus its business development primarily in the CNS and respiratory fields through selective investments.
It said: “In recent years, we have continued to build upon our experience in the development, manufacture and marketing of inhaled respiratory drugs delivered by metered-dose and dry powder inhalers, primarily for bronchial asthma, COPD and allergic rhinitis.
“In addition, we have invested in high quality manufacturing capability for press and breathe metered-dose inhalers, nasal sprays and nebulizers.”
Deal Advances Pipeline and Delivery Tech
Teva’s main manufacturing site for respiratory inhaler products is located in Ireland and revenue from respiratory products in 2012 amounted to $856m.
Currently the firm markets three respiratory products: ProAir, an inhalation aerosol for the prevention of bronchospasm, QVAR for the treatment of asthma, and Qnasl – a drug for allergy symptoms delivered by nasal aerosol.
Teva also develops products for use with its proprietary delivery systems Easi-Breathe (a breath-actuated inhaler) and its inhalation-driven multi-dose dry powder inhaler Spiromax/Airmax.
This deal will add a dry powder inhaler delivery platform to Teva’s respiratory offering, as well as Microdose’s Polycap system – a low-cost oral delivery system to deliver multiple medications at the same time with a single pill or capsule.
Teva will acquire all of the New Jersey-based firm’s shares for $40m and may pay up to £125m more, upon achievement of regulatory and development milestones.