GSK licenses rights to Scios' Natrecor

GlaxoSmithKline says it has entered into a European licensing agreementwith the USA's Scios for the latter's Natrecor (nesiritide), a treatment for acute heart failure. Under the terms of the deal, GSK will have the rights to sell and distribute the product for which Scios will receive an undisclosed upfront fee and milestone payments over four years, in addition to future royalties on European sales. Scios will manufacture and supply the bulk product.

Natrecor, a recombinant form of B-type natriuretic peptide, was launched in the USA last year (Marketletter August 20, 2001), and the firms expect the drug to be available in Europe in the first half of 2004. Christopher Viehbacher, GSK's president of pharmaceuticals in Europe, said the agreement is "indicative of our intention to become the partner of choice for those companies wishing to maximize the commercial potential of their products and increase their global presence."