Innoviva, Inc. (INVA) announced on Monday that its subsidiary, Innoviva Specialty Therapeutics, Inc. (IST), has secured an exclusive distribution and licensing agreement with Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd from Switzerland. This deal will allow for the commercialization of Zevtera (ceftobiprole), a next-generation cephalosporin antibiotic, within the United States.
According to the agreement, Innoviva will obtain exclusive marketing rights for Zevtera in the U.S., while Basilea will benefit from a $4 million upfront payment. Additionally, Basilea will receive tiered royalties and milestone payments based on net sales within the U.S.
Innoviva Specialty Therapeutics plans to launch Zevtera commercially by mid-2025.
As of April 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Zevtera for three specific treatment indications. It stands as the only FDA-approved cephalosporin antibiotic effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) for the treatment of adult patients with Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections (bacteremia) and endocarditis.
Zevtera is prescribed for adult patients dealing with SAB.
Pavel Raifeld, Chief Executive Officer of Innoviva, commented, "The licensing of Zevtera reinforces IST's diverse, yet complementary portfolio of distinct treatments that address critical unmet medical needs. This transaction underscores the significant growth potential we perceive in our therapeutics business, building upon the momentum and achievements already realized with our existing marketed products."
