Merck, known as MSD outside the United States and Canada,
and Astellas US LLC, the U.S. subsidiary of Astellas Pharma Inc. today
announced that they have entered into an agreement under which Merck, through a
subsidiary, will acquire the exclusive rights to develop and commercialize the investigational
intravenous formulation of vernakalant (vernakalant i.v.) in Canada, Mexico
and the United States
from Astellas.
Vernakalant i.v. is currently approved in more than 10
European countries for rapid conversion of recent onset atrial fibrillation (AF)
to sinus rhythm.
"Atrial fibrillation represents a large and growing
unmet medical need," said Dr. Michael Mendelsohn, senior vice president,
franchise head, cardiovascular and atherosclerosis research at Merck.
"With this agreement, Merck has secured worldwide rights to vernakalant
i.v. This is an important step as we seek to expand access for patients in need."
Under the terms of the agreement, Merck will pay Astellas an undisclosed
upfront fee. In addition, Astellas will be eligible for milestone payments
associated with development and regulatory approval as well as sales thresholds
achieved in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
"We continue to strengthen our capabilities in core
therapeutic areas and steadily make progress on our vision of becoming a Global
Category Leader," said Masao Yoshida, President and CEO, Astellas US LLC.
"In reviewing the priorities of our North American development programs, Astellas
has decided to divest its rights for vernakalant to Merck." In October
2003, Astellas US LLC was granted an exclusive license to develop and
commercialize vernakalant i.v. in Canada,
Mexico and the United States
by Cardiome Pharma Corp. In April 2009, Merck, through a subsidiary, was
granted exclusive rights to vernakalant i.v. outside of Canada, Mexico
and the United States
for rapid conversion of acute atrial fibrillation to normal heart rhythm.