SkyePharma notes Shire Solaraze rights divestment

SkyePharma has announced that Shire is to sell its distribution and marketing rights for Solaraze (diclofenac), a topical treatment of actinic keratoses, to Almirall, together with a product portfolio of other drugs sold by the firm in Europe.

Actinic keratoses are common lesions on skin that has been extensively damaged by exposure to sunlight.

The compound is currently marketed by Bradley Pharmaceuticals subsidiary Doak Dermatologics in the US and has been launched by CSL Biotherapies in Australia following an agreement with Shire.

At present, SkyePharma receives royalties on net sales of Solaraze in the low teens, with this royalty to be unaffected by Shire’s divestment of rights to Almirall.

The sale of marketing and distribution rights to Almirall is subject to competition clearance and other standard conditions.

Frank Condella, chief executive officer of SkyePharma, said: “Almirall is well positioned to ensure future development and investment in Solaraze and we expect it to get the focus it needs to continue to grow in all its key markets.”

In July 2007, Laboratorios Almirall purchased Hermal, the prescription skincare business of Reckitt Benckiser.

Reckitt Benckiser had elected to sell this business unit following a major strategic review at the firm following the purchase of the Boots Healthcare International business in January 2006.