SkyePharma amends Flutiform deal with Abbott

London, UK-based SkyePharma has revised the agreement with US health care major Abbott Laboratories for the development and commercialization in the USA of its asthma drug Flutiform (combined formoterol and fluticasone).

Under the terms of the amended deal, Abbott assumes the responsibility and costs for additional clinical work required and agreed upon by the US Food and Drug Administration and submitting the New Drug Application for Flutiform.

SkyePharma's chief executive, Frank Condella, said: "Abbott has been a very supportive partner since acquiring Kos Pharmaceuticals [Marketletter November 13, 2006], which had licensed the US marketing and distribution rights for Flutiform. We welcome Abbott's increased involvement in the required additional clinical work and NDA filing, areas where they have substantial expertise."