Lee's Pharm Expands Product Line with Acquisition of Staccato® One Breath Technology®

Lee's Pharmaceutical Acquires Staccato® One Breath Technology®

On December 11, 2025, Lee's Pharmaceutical Holdings Limited, a prominent player in the biopharmaceutical sector, announced a strategic acquisition of the Staccato® One Breath Technology® platform from Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc. This major move is set to enhance Lee's existing product offerings and propel its global partnerships, particularly with UCB, a biopharmaceutical leader specializing in epilepsy treatment.

What is Staccato® One Breath Technology®?

Staccato® One Breath Technology® represents a groundbreaking innovation in the delivery of medications, allowing for non-invasive aerosolized drug administration. This technology offers rapid therapeutic effects comparable to intravenous injections, addressing urgent medical needs efficiently. Such an advanced platform positions Lee's Pharm significantly within the therapeutic landscape, particularly for acute conditions.

Details of the Acquisition

The recent acquisition grants Lee's Pharm complete ownership of the Staccato® OBT®, including associated intellectual property, technical expertise, trademarks, and manufacturing facilities that comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). This comprehensive acquisition strategy aims not only to bolster Lee's inhaled drug delivery capabilities but also to streamline its development pipeline.

The deal is expected to close by the end of 2025, contingent on certain closing conditions being met. The acquisition includes rights for manufacturing and licensing Staccato® alprazolam, further integrating the platform within Lee's product portfolio. By acquiring the rights previously held by Alexza, Lee's avoids ongoing royalty payments that could have affected its profitability.

Strategic Implications

Dr. Benjamin Li, founder and director of Lee's Pharmaceutical, emphasized that this acquisition is a transformative step aimed at enhancing their commitment to inhalation therapies for neurological conditions and other therapeutic needs. The deal also integrates ongoing clinical programs, which focus on unmet medical needs such as breakthrough cancer pain and acute schizophrenia agitation.

Additionally, two promising candidates advancing towards clinical phase 2 trials targeting Parkinson's disease and cyclic vomiting syndrome will now be part of Lee's expanded portfolio, potentially opening new avenues for business growth.

Partnership with UCB

The acquisition of Staccato® OBT® comes with strengthened collaboration with UCB. As part of an existing licensing agreement, UCB retains global development and marketing rights for Staccato® alprazolam, enhancing the platform's clinical maturity. Successful progression and milestone achievements can yield potential payout structures exceeding $60 million, alongside ongoing royalties based on net global sales.

UCB has shown commitment to addressing critical needs in epilepsy treatment, and this partnership is anticipated to fuel innovation in therapeutic solutions, thus expanding reach and operational synergy.

Conclusion

Lee's Pharmaceutical is poised for substantial growth following this strategic acquisition. Not only does it augment their current portfolio, but it also reinforces their research and development capabilities within inhalation therapies, aligning with Lee's broader goals of global expansion. As the company seeks to bring innovative solutions to patients worldwide, the Staccato® One Breath Technology® will likely play a pivotal role in achieving these aspirations, marking a significant leap for the company in the competitive biopharmaceutical landscape.

For more information on Lee's Pharmaceutical and its revolutionary product pipeline, visit leepharm.com.