Oscient acquires worldwide rights to Ramoplanin

By Ted A. Knutson

Washington, Feb. 8 - Oscient Pharmaceuticals Corp. said Tuesday it has acquired worldwide rights to its lead clinical candidate, Ramoplanin, from Pfizer Inc. subsidiary Vicuron Pharmaceuticals Inc. and has assumed full control of Ramoplanin manufacturing, development and commercialization on a global basis.

Oscient previously licensed Ramoplanin from Vicuron for the United States and Canada only.

Ramoplanin is in development for the potential treatment of Clostridium difficile-associated disease such as diarrhea and colitis.

In exchange for the expanded worldwide rights, Oscient has made a one-time, up-front payment to Pfizer and will make additional payments upon the achievement of specified regulatory milestones and for royalties on net sales. Additionally, Oscient has assumed all responsibility for drug manufacture and is in discussions with potential third-party manufacturers for Ramoplanin.

Royalty obligations to Vicuron have been adjusted to reflect the elimination of Vicuron's manufacturing responsibility. Pfizer has agreed to transfer the technological know-how related to the manufacture of Ramoplanin.

Oscient recently agreed on a Special Protocol Assessment with the Food and Drug Administration for the phase 3 program of Ramoplanin.

"Acquiring worldwide rights to Ramoplanin is a major milestone for Oscient. With full ownership of Ramoplanin, we have significantly strengthened our asset portfolio and, after securing a long-term source of product supply, will be poised to advance the product candidate into phase 3 development," stated Steven M. Rauscher, president and chief executive officer of Oscient, in a news release.

Oscient is a biopharmaceutical company based in Waltham, Mass., that develops and commercializes therapeutics to address unmet medical needs.

Pfizer is a New York-based pharmaceutical company.

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