The big pharmaceutical concern picks up anti-infective maker Vicuron for $1.9 billion USD.
Pfizer made an all cash deal to acquire biotech company Vicuron Pharmaceuticals today. Vicuron develops anti-infectives for both hospital-based and community-acquired infections.
Anidulafungin’s potential product profile will include broad spectrum activity against aspergillus and most candidal fungal infections. It is anticipated the product will be indicated for once-daily dosing for up to a month.
Dalbavancin has shown positive results in Phase III studies in complicated skin and soft tissue infections and in a Phase II study in catheter-related bloodstream infections. The product has once-weekly dosing.
“By acquiring Vicuron, we can help bring two very important new medicines to patients around the world,” said Hank McKinnell, chairman and chief executive officer of Pfizer.
“This transaction builds on Pfizer’s extensive experience in anti-infectives and demonstrates our commitment to strengthen and broaden our pharmaceutical business through strategic product acquisitions.”
Pfizer already has an existing collaboration with Vicuron that has made significant advances in the discovery of potential next-generation oxazolidinones, the first new class of antibiotics in more than 30 years.
Several Vicuron compounds are currently being evaluated at Pfizer as potential clinical development candidates.
“We believe this transaction is in the best interests of our shareholders and will enable Vicuron’s two near-term products to utilize Pfizer’s capabilities in order to fully achieve their potential,” said George F. Horner III, President and Chief Executive Officer of Vicuron.
David Utter is a staff writer for Murdok covering technology and business. Email him here.
