R-Pharm Acquires Ixempra From BMS

R-Pharm US has acquired Ixempra (ixabepilone) from Bristol-Myers Squibb. Ixempra received marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2007 and in 18 other markets globally. Ixempra is indicated as monotherapy or in combination with capecitabine for the treatment of metastatic or locally advanced breast cancer in patients whose tumors are resistant or refractory to anthracyclines, taxanes, and capecitabine. With the acquisition, R-Pharm US has launched its U.S. commercial operations, and it is now responsible for all activities surrounding Ixempra’s manufacture, distribution, sales and reimbursement. Financial terms were not disclosed.

“Ixempra is an important therapy in treating metastatic or locally advanced breast cancer, and we are excited to position Ixempra as the cornerstone of our product portfolio,” said Mark Pavao, president and chief executive officer, R-Pharm US. “Advanced breast cancer patients have limited therapeutic options, and we are committed to ensuring physicians and patients have access to Ixempra. When we launch our sales force in October, Ixempra will have the support it needs in the physician’s office, and we will work to ensure Ixempra continues to have broad formulary and reimbursement coverage.”

“We are building a pharmaceutical company with innovative financing, business development and commercialization capabilities,” said Demetrios Kydonieus, president and chief business officer, R-Pharm US. “Our strategy is to identify and acquire underserved pharmaceutical products that can become growth brands with focused and effective commercialization support in the U.S. market. Ixempra has strong brand recognition in the oncology community, and it is reflective of the type of assets we are seeking. As we begin to generate free cash flow, we will invest in development activities to expand our brands and bring innovative products to market.”