Lee's Pharmaceutical Expands Pipeline with Staccato® One Breath Technology Acquisition
Lee's Pharmaceutical Holdings Limited has recently made a significant move to strengthen its market position by acquiring the Staccato® One Breath Technology® platform along with other crucial assets from Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The acquisition, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, aims to enhance Lee’s Pharm's existing product pipeline and extend its reach in inhalation therapies. This strategic move not only allows Lee's Pharm to gain full ownership and control over the Staccato® One Breath Technology® but also enables the company to better serve unmet medical needs, especially in the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) disorders.
The Staccato® platform is a proprietary technology known for its unique and effective method of drug delivery. It allows medicines to be inhaled rapidly without the use of excipients, functioning almost as quickly as intravenous administration while being non-invasive. The immediate therapeutic effects of this technology can significantly enhance patient outcomes. By acquiring the platform, Lee's Pharm is positioned to innovate further in the inhalation therapeutics arena, which is critical for treating various acute conditions.
Among the assets acquired from Alexza are the rights associated with the Staccato® Alprazolam, which is currently in a Phase 3 clinical trial, as well as a range of other developmental programs. This acquisition marks an important milestone for Lee's Pharmaceutical, as it removes future licensing payments to Alexza, leading to potential cost savings and improving its overall economic efficiency. Furthermore, the transaction integrates two promising CNS pipeline assets being evaluated for Parkinson's disease and cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS), presenting fresh commercial opportunities for the organization.
This latest acquisition comes as Lee's Pharmaceutical continues to expand its various therapeutic areas, including oncology, pediatric, cardiovascular health, and rare diseases. According to Dr. Benjamin Li, the founder and director of Lee's Pharmaceutical Holdings, this transaction not only underlines the company’s commitment to innovation in inhalation therapies but also strengthens its pipeline and research capabilities. Dr. Li emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships like that with UCB, enabling Lee's Pharmaceutical to address critical healthcare needs effectively.
UCB is a globally positioned biopharmaceutical company with a strong presence in epilepsy treatment. Under the agreement with UCB, they are responsible for the global development and marketing rights for Staccato® Alprazolam. This gives Lee's Pharm confidence in the clinical viability and commercial potential of the Staccato® platform, opened by the global collaboration. Core to the partnership is achieving key development, regulatory, and sales milestones which may yield milestone payments of up to $60.5 million, along with tiered royalties on worldwide net sales of Staccato® Alprazolam.
The Staccato® One Breath Technology® acquisition not only enhances Lee's Pharmaceutical’s product offerings but also establishes new revenue streams through partnerships and the efficient management of inhalation therapies. The proposed collaboration is designed to foster mutual growth and contribute significantly to improving the lives of patients with high unmet medical needs.
In conclusion, Lee's Pharmaceutical Holdings Limited is poised for accelerated growth and an expanded global reach through its acquisition of the Staccato® OBT platform. With a focus on developing and manufacturing meaningful therapies, the company is dedicated to improving patient outcomes through innovative scientific approaches. By enhancing its technological capabilities and partnering with established organizations like UCB, Lee's Pharm intends to solidify its position as a leader in the biopharmaceutical industry.