Iroko acquires rights to Merck & Co CV compound

Philadelphia, USA-based Iroko Pharmaceuticals has acquired all non-US commercial rights to Aggrastat (tirofiban HCl) from drug major Merck & Co.

Outside of the US market, Aggrastat in combination with heparin is indicated for patients with unstable angina or non-Q wave myocardial infarction to prevent cardiac ischemic events, and is also indicated for patients with coronary ischemic syndromes undergoing coronary angioplasty or atherectomy to prevent cardiac ischemic complications related to abrupt closure of the treated coronary artery. It is indicated for the treatment of acute coronary syndrome, including in patients who are to be managed medically and those undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed but Iroko said that the acquistion will see the firm's revenues exceed the $100.0 million level.