LA JOLLA, Calif., and PEAPACK, N.J., Oct. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Agouron
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Pharmacia & Upjohn, Inc. (NYSE: PNU) today announced
that Agouron has acquired worldwide rights to Pharmacia & Upjohn's
RESCRIPTOR(R) (delavirdine mesylate tablets), a non-nucleoside reverse
transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI). Agouron will have exclusive commercial
rights to RESCRIPTOR in all markets worldwide. RESCRIPTOR is currently
cleared for marketing in North America, Australia, and several countries in
South America.
"The acquisition of RESCRIPTOR reflects our commitment to a comprehensive
approach to the treatment of HIV infection and AIDS," said Peter Johnson,
Agouron's president and chief executive officer.
"We are very pleased with this agreement for Agouron to acquire rights to
RESCRIPTOR," said Goran Ando, M.D., Executive Vice President and President
Research and Development, Pharmacia & Upjohn. "Agouron has a strong and
growing presence in the HIV treatment arena that will be enhanced with the
addition of RESCRIPTOR. We believe this agreement represents the best option
for the future of the product and is in the best interests of patients."
RESCRIPTOR Tablets are indicated for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in
combination with appropriate antiretroviral agents when therapy is warranted.
The indication is based on surrogate marker changes in clinical studies.
Clinical benefit has not been demonstrated with RESCRIPTOR based on survival
or incidence of AIDS-defining clinical events in a completed trial comparing
RESCRIPTOR plus didanosine with didanosine monotherapy.
RESCRIPTOR has been shown to be generally well tolerated. The most
commonly reported side effect attributable to RESCRIPTOR was a skin rash that
occurred in 18 percent of patients. In most cases, the rash disappeared
within three to 14 days without a dosage reduction or interruption of
treatment (4.3 percent of patients in clinical trials discontinued due to
rash).
VIRACEPT is indicated for the treatment of HIV infection when
antiretroviral therapy is warranted. This indication is based on analyses of
surrogate marker changes in patients who received VIRACEPT in combination with
nucleoside analogs or alone for up to 24 weeks. At present, there are no
results from controlled trials evaluating the effect of therapy with VIRACEPT
on clinical progression of HIV infection, such as survival or the incidence of
opportunistic infections.
The most commonly observed adverse event was diarrhea of moderate or
greater intensity occurring in 20% of patients receiving VIRACEPT 750 mg TID
with zidovudine and lamivudine. New onset or exacerbation of diabetes
mellitus and hyperglycemia, changes in the distribution of body fat, and
increased bleeding in patients with hemophilia types A and B have been
reported with protease inhibitors.
For further information about Agouron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., or about
VIRACEPT, please dial toll free 1-888-VIRACEPT (847-2237). To receive full
prescribing information for VIRACEPT via fax, dial 1-888-288-9639.
Agouron's HIV portfolio is led by VIRACEPT(R) (nelfinavir mesylate), the
most extensively prescribed HIV protease inhibitor in the United States.
Agouron's development of anti-HIV therapies includes the NNRTI AG1549, the
novel HIV protease inhibitor AG1776, and an immune-based therapy, REMUNE(TM)
(HIV-1 Immunogen), all being investigated for the treatment of HIV infection.
Agouron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the
Warner-Lambert Company (NYSE: WLA), is an integrated pharmaceutical company
committed to the discovery, development, manufacturing, and marketing of
innovative therapeutic products engineered to inactivate proteins that play
key roles in cancer, AIDS, and other serious diseases. Agouron employs more
than 1100 people of whom approximately 700 are engaged in research and
development.
Pharmacia & Upjohn is a global, innovation-driven pharmaceutical and
health care company. Pharmacia & Upjohn's products, services, and employees
demonstrate its commitment to improve wellness and quality of life for people
around the world.
VIRACEPT(R) and Agouron(R) are registered trademarks of Agouron
Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
RESCRIPTOR(R) is a registered trademark of Pharmacia & Upjohn.
REMUNE(TM) is a trademark of The Immune Response Corporation.
SOURCE Agouron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Pharmacia & Upjohn,
Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.agouron.com
Company News On-Call:
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/019650.html or fax,
800-758-5804, ext. 019650
CONTACT:
Joy Schmitt of Agouron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.,
858-622-3220; or Paul Fitzhenry, 908-901-8770, or Karen
Carolonza, 908-901-8515, both of Pharmacia & Upjohn, Inc.
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