AZ in agreement with Cubist

03 Jul 2008

Cubist Pharmaceuticals says it has signed an exclusive agreement with AstraZeneca to promote the antibiotic Merrem IV in the US.

It states AstraZeneca will continue to provide marketing and commercial support for the drug.

Cubist says it is to promote and support Merrem IV using its existing US acute care sales and medical affairs organisations.

Robert J Perez, executive vice-president and chief operating officer at Cubist, said the product provides an excellent fit with Cubicin, which "has experienced the most successful IV antibiotic launch in US history in dollar terms".

Marion McCourt, vice-president of GI & Infection at AstraZeneca, added the collaboration will maximise the value of the "important product" while enabling AstraZeneca to continue taking it to healthcare providers and patients.

Last month, Cubist announced the appointment of Mark HN Corrigan to its board of directors.

According to the company, Dr Corrigan is executive vice-president for research & development at Sepracor and also serves on the board of NeuroMed Technologies.