GSK, Impax enter global development, commercialization agreement for PD investigational product, IPX066

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Impax Pharmaceuticals, the brand products division of Impax Laboratories, Inc. (Impax), today announced an agreement for the development and commercialization of IPX066, Impax's novel extended release carbidopa-levodopa product, outside the United States and Taiwan. IPX066, an investigational product under development for the treatment of Parkinson's Disease (PD), is currently in Phase III clinical trials.

“There is a significant need for a therapy which can improve on clinical symptom management and control in Parkinson's Disease. We look forward to collaborating with Impax and hope to deliver an improved treatment option to the millions of people living with this devastating disease.”

Under the terms of the agreement, GSK will receive an exclusive license to sell IPX066 throughout the world except in the U.S. and Taiwan. Impax will receive an $11.5 million upfront payment and is eligible to receive potential payments of up to $175 million upon the successful achievement of development and commercialization milestones. Impax will also receive tiered, double-digit royalty payments on GSK sales of IPX066. Impax will manufacture and supply IPX066 to GSK.

Impax will complete the current Phase III program for IPX066, which includes the recently completed APEX-PD trial in early PD. The results from the remaining Phase III study program are expected to be available in 2011. In the U.S., Impax expects to file a New Drug Application for Parkinson's Disease in late 2011 and will be responsible for commercialization. In other regions, excluding Taiwan, GSK will be responsible for further development and registration of IPX066 and commercialization of the product in those markets. A team structure with representatives from both companies is being established to enable effective coordination of planned global regulatory and commercialization activities.

"We are very pleased to announce this development and collaboration agreement with GSK, which is a significant milestone in the development of Impax Pharmaceuticals and an important achievement in the planned global commercialization for IPX066 for the treatment of Parkinson's Disease," stated Michael Nestor, President of Impax Pharmaceuticals. "GSK is an ideal partner for IPX066, combining global best-in-class development, regulatory and commercial experience in Parkinson's Disease, which will be an asset in the successful commercialization of IPX066."

"We are excited by the opportunity IPX066 represents to patients," commented, Atul Pande, senior vice president, Neurosciences Medicines Development Center, GSK. "There is a significant need for a therapy which can improve on clinical symptom management and control in Parkinson's Disease. We look forward to collaborating with Impax and hope to deliver an improved treatment option to the millions of people living with this devastating disease."