Esteve Signs U.S. Licensing Deal with Kowa Pharmaceuticals for Acute Pain Drug

Esteve Pharmaceuticals has struck a deal with Kowa Pharmaceuticals America to commercialize Esteve’s investigational acute pain drug, E-58425, in the U.S.

A combination of an anti-inflammatory, celecoxib, and an analgesic, tramadol, E-58425 is being developed for treating adults with acute pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic. The drug is currently under review by the FDA and an approval decision is expected this year.

If approved, E-58425 would become Barcelona, Spain-based Esteve’s first product to enter the U.S. market. Under the agreement, Esteve will supply the drug and will retain global rights, except in the U.S. and Canada.