Pfizer has completed the acquisition of AstraZeneca’s late-stage small molecule anti-infectives business, gaining commercialization rights primarily outside the U.S.

The agreement includes development and commercialization rights to the newly approved EU drug Zavicefta, marketed products Merrem/Meronem and Zinforo, and the clinical development assets aztreonam-avibactam (ATM-AVI) and CXL. Zavicefta specifically addresses multi-drug resistant Gram-negative infections, including those resistant to carbapenem antibiotics, which represents significant unmet medical needs in bacterial infections.  

Pfizer paid $550 million upfront with a deferred payment of $175 million in January 2019. AstraZeneca is eligible to receive as much as $250 million in milestones, $600 million in sales-related payments, as well as royalties on sales of Zavicefta and ATM-AVI in certain markets.
 
“The addition of AstraZeneca’s complementary small molecule anti-infectives portfolio enhances our global expertise and offerings in an increasingly important area of therapeutics that addresses the public health needs of patients and healthcare professionals. Additionally this acquisition is an example of how we are focusing our investments to drive sustainable revenue growth potential for our Essential Health business,” said John Young, group president, Pfizer Essential Health.