#None #UCB #Lee's Pharmaceutical #Staccato Technology

Lee's Pharmaceutical Expands Its Horizons with Staccato Acquisition

In a strategic move that underscores its commitment to innovation and expansion, Lee's Pharmaceutical Holdings Limited has announced the acquisition of the Staccato® One Breath Technology® platform from Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc. This bold endeavor not only enriches their product pipeline but also strengthens their collaboration with UCB, a biopharmaceutical company noted for its work in epilepsy treatments.

Overview of the Acquisition

The acquisition, which is expected to finalize by the end of 2025, allows Lee’s Pharm and its fully owned subsidiary, Nova Pneuma Inc. (NPI), to gain comprehensive control over the Staccato OBT platform, complete with intellectual property, manufacturing capabilities, and an established product pipeline. The Staccato technology is celebrated for its potential to deliver medications via inhalation with the rapid efficacy akin to intravenous administration.

This technology aims to enhance treatment options for acute conditions, particularly in the realm of central nervous system disorders. The acquisition represents a significant leap forward for Lee's Pharm as it integrates successful products like Adasuve®, solidifying its commitment to inhalation therapies.

Benefits to the Pipeline and Partnerships

By acquiring Staccato, Lee's Pharmaceutical capitalizes on synergies with its existing product lines. The company is already in the clinical development stage for several Staccato-based medications targeting cancer-related breakthrough pain and is in the process of commercializing Adasuve® for acute agitation associated with psychiatric conditions across Greater China.

Furthermore, this acquisition eliminates all future licensing fees to Alexza for the development and commercialization of Staccato-based products. This will result in immediate cost savings while adding significant value to their financial outlook. Notably, Lee's Pharm will integrate two promising assets in its CNS portfolio, focusing on treatments for Parkinson's disease and Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome, both of which are in Phase 2 clinical trials.

Strengthening Global Partnerships

An additional advantage of the acquisition includes inheriting Alexza's rights under its existing licensing and manufacturing agreement with UCB. This partnership is pivotal as UCB currently holds global rights for Staccato® alprazolam, which is advancing through Phase 3 clinical trials. The agreement promises a financial upside, potentially allowing Lee's Pharm and NPI to earn up to $60.5 million in milestone payments, along with royalties tied to global sales.

Dr. Benjamin Li, the Founder and Director of Lee's Pharmaceutical, emphasized the transformative nature of this acquisition, stating, "Acquiring the Staccato® OBT® platform reaffirms our commitment to enhancing inhalation therapeutics targeted at CNS disorders and expanding our global presence."

A Future Focused on Innovation

Lee's Pharmaceutical has established itself as a research-driven biopharmaceutical entity with over three decades of experience in the healthcare sector within China. With a strong infrastructure facilitating drug development, regulatory compliance, and marketing, the company boasts a robust lineup of over 25 proprietary and licensed products across multiple therapeutic areas, including oncology, women's health, and pediatrics.

As they embark on this new chapter post-acquisition, Lee's Pharmaceutical is set to prioritize the reliable manufacturing of innovative therapies aimed at addressing pressing medicinal needs. By working closely with UCB, they aspire to bring additional Staccato-based solutions to the global market, ultimately striving to enhance patient outcomes through cutting-edge science.

For more information, visit Lee's Pharmaceuticals.