MacroChem to buy DFI drug from Genaera

Specialty pharmaceuticals company MacroChem has signed an option deal granting it the opportunity to buy exclusive worldwide rights to pexiganan, an anti-infective peptide for the treatment of mild diabetic foot infection, from fellow US firm Genaera. The agreement, which cost around $250,000, provides MacroChem with a 90-day window in which to establish a full licensing deal.

Genaera originally submitted the drug for Food and Drug Administration consideration in 1998, conducting two Phase III trials in the process. The application stalled, however, due to outstanding issues related to chemistry, manufacturing and controls data, as well as the requirement for an additional controlled trial.

Robert DeLuccia, president of MacroChem, said: "this is a unique opportunity for MacroChem to broaden its product portfolio with a product that has already completed two Phase III trials." He added that the drug complements the firm's lead product candidate EcoNail, which is currently being examined in Phase II trials.