Jerini Regains Commercialization Rights to Icatibant in North America

Jerini U.S., an affiliate of German drug company Jerini, and Kos Life Sciences announced they have terminated license agreement for the development, marketing and distribution of Icatibant, a treatment for angioedema, in the U.S. and Canada. 

Abbott acquired the license agreement between Jerini U.S. and Kos Life Sciences as part of the company’s December 2006 acquisition of Kos Pharmaceuticals. Abbott said it has determined that Icatibant did not strategically fit the company’s core areas of therapeutic expertise.

As part of the termination agreement, Abbott has agreed to pay Jerini an undisclosed amount, and Jerini will pay Abbott undisclosed royalties on North American sales for the first 24 months following product launch.

Jens Schneider-Mergener, CEO of Jerini, said his company will take full responsibility for the commercialization of Icatibant. He added that he believed the company would be able to launch the drug in North America in 2008.