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AstraZeneca jettisons two heart drugs to Cheplapharm in $400m deal

pharmafile | October 30, 2020 | News story | Manufacturing and Production, Medical Communications, Sales and Marketing AstraZeneca, Cheplapharm 

AstraZeneca is set to sell the rights to its AT1 subtype angiotensin II receptor antagonist Atacand (candesartan cilexetil) and Atacand Plus (a fixed-dose combination of candesartan cilexetil and hydrochlorothiazide) to German firm Cheplapharm in more than 70 countries around the world.

Both drugs are approved for the treatment of hypertension, while Atacand is also approved for the treatment of heart failure; in 2019, the pair generated £148 million in sales in the countries included by the deal.

AstraZeneca is handing over the drug candidates in exchange for a payment of $400 million, with $250 million to change hands once the deal has closed and the remaining $150 million to follow in the first half of next year.

“This agreement forms part of our strategy to carefully manage the mature medicines, enabling reinvestment in our main therapy areas to bring innovative new medicines to patients,” commented Ruud Dobber, Executive Vice President of AstraZeneca’s BioPharmaceuticals Business Unit. “Cheplapharm previously acquired the rights to Atacand in Europe and will now ensure continued patient access to this important established medicine in additional countries across the globe.”

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During the three-year transition period stipulated in the agreement, AstraZeneca will continue to handle manufacturing and distribution duties for the medications.

Matt Fellows

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