Cambrex Corp. and Tillotts Pharma have entered into a development and commercialization agreement using a new mesalamine-based (5-ASA) technology for an Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) treatment. Tillotts has acquired from Cambrex worldwide exclusive rights to develop and commercialize drug products based on the 5-ASA-based technology in exchange for developmental, regulatory and IP milestone payments as well as royalties. Cambrex previously acquired the exclusive rights to this technology from PLx Pharma.

“This deal is an additional important step in our forceful efforts over the years to come to build an attractive and innovative gastrointestinal product portfolio, complementary to Asacol and Colpermin,” said Thomas A. Toth von Kisker, president and chief executive officer of Tillotts.

Steven M. Klosk, president and chief executive officer of Cambrex, added, “This announcement serves as a prime example of Cambrex’s commitment to accelerating our customers’ drug development processes by providing technology-added products and services and further underscores our goal to being a leading player in the development and supply of mesalamine-based active ingredients.”