Forest is entering the antibiotic field through a licensing deal with Replidyne for Orapem (faropenem medoxomil), announced Feb. 13.

Forest currently offers central nervous system, cardiovascular, endocrinology, OB/GYN, pain management and respiratory products.

"Antibiotics are a new and, we believe, important area for Forest to add to our CNS and cardiovascular franchises," CEO Howard Solomon said.

Under terms of the agreement, Forest will pay Replidyne $50 mil. up-front, plus future milestone payments and royalties. Forest will take the lead in sales and marketing, tasking Replidyne to market to infectious disease specialists and otolaryngologists.

Replidyne submitted an NDA for the antibiotic in December under a standard 10-month review, giving it an estimated user date of Oct. 20. The submission covers treatment of acute bacterial sinusitis, community acquired pneumonia, acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections (¹ Also see "Orapem NDA Is Replidyne’s First" - Pink Sheet, 9 January, 2006.).

Forest and Replidyne are coordinating additional studies for pediatric indications and will jointly oversee future development of faropenem. Should a pediatric indication gain approval, Replidyne will oversee marketing to pediatricians.

Replidyne licensed exclusive U.S. marketing rights for the ester prodrug derivative of faropenem from Daiichi in March 2004.

-Bowman Cox

Forest Enters Antibiotic Field Through Faropenem Licensing Deal

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