FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LANTHEUS MEDICAL IMAGING, INC. ACQUIRES U.S., CANADIAN and AUSTRALIAN RIGHTS TO MS-325 (formerly marketed as VASOVIST®, gadofosveset trisodium, by Bayer Schering Pharma) FROM EPIX PHARMACEUTICALS
Acquisition of Novel MRA Contrast Agent for Peripheral Vascular Imaging
Expands Company Product Offerings and Supports Future Growth
N. BILLERICA, Mass. (April 7, 2009) – Lantheus Medical Imaging, Inc., a worldwide leader in diagnostic imaging, announced today that it has acquired from EPIX Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:EPIX) the U.S., Canadian, and Australian rights to MS-325 (formerly marketed as VASOVIST®, gadofosveset trisodium, by Bayer Schering Pharma), a novel magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) agent. In December 2008, EPIX received U.S. Food and Drug Administration marketing approval for MS-325 to evaluate aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD) in adults with known or suspected peripheral vascular disease. Currently, there are no other imaging agents approved for MRA in the U.S.
The acquisition of MS-325 further builds on Lantheus’ diagnostic imaging product portfolio and expands the company’s presence to the radiology market. Under the terms of the agreement, Lantheus acquired the U.S. (including Puerto Rico), Canadian, and Australian rights to MS-325 from EPIX. EPIX will continue to own European and other ex-U.S. rights for the imaging agent. Lantheus is planning to launch MS-325 under a different name before the year-end.
“The acquisition of MS-325 reinforces our growth strategy to continue to bring to market breakthrough new imaging tools. MS-325 fits well within our current product portfolio of leading contrast imaging agents. As a first-in-class contrast agent, MS-325 provides a true advance in vascular imaging, and may make it possible for physicians to detect peripheral vascular disease differently than X-ray angiography, which is invasive. We are pleased with this important acquisition and look forward to making this diagnostic tool available to physicians to improve diagnosis and patient management,” said Don Kiepert, president and CEO of Lantheus Medical Imaging, Inc.
“We are proud to have completed this important transaction with Lantheus Medical Imaging, Inc., a global leader with more than 50 years of experience in the diagnostic imaging space,” said Elkan Gamzu, Ph.D., president and CEO of EPIX. “We believe that Lantheus is the ideal company to bring this product to market. Under Lantheus’ leadership, MS-325 is well-positioned to become a solid market leader in the field of vascular imaging. Lantheus’ commitment to MS-325 also serves as a strong endorsement of the product’s diagnostic value in improving the ability to visualize the human vascular system.”
About MS-325
MS-325 is an injectable intravascular contrast agent designed to provide improved imaging of the vascular system through magnetic resonance angiography imaging (MRA). MS-325 has been approved for marketing in the United States and in 37countries outside the United States, including Canada, Australia, all 27 member states of the European Union, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, Turkey, Korea, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, and Ukraine. Global marketing rights (outside the U.S., Canada, and Australia) to MS-325 which were held by Bayer Schering Pharma until March 1, 2009 have been transferred to EPIX.
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WARNING: NEPHROGENIC SYSTEMIC FIBROSIS (NSF)
In these patients, avoid use of gadolinium-based contrast agents unless the diagnostic information is essential and not available with non-contrast enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). NSF may result in fatal or debilitating systemic fibrosis affecting the skin, muscle, and internal organs. Screen all patients for renal dysfunction by obtaining a history and/or laboratory tests. When administering a gadolinium-based contrast agent, do not exceed the recommended dose and allow a sufficient period of time for elimination of the agent from the body prior to any re-administration. |
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