October 6, 2016
Aralez has acquired the U.S. rights to beta-blocker Toprol-XL from AstraZeneca.
On October 4, Willkie client Aralez Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced that it will acquire the U.S. rights to Toprol-XL® (metoprolol succinate), a cardioselective beta-blocker, from AstraZeneca. Toprol-XL is approved for the treatment of high blood pressure. By lowering blood pressure, Toprol-XL may lower the risk of fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and myocardial infarctions. It was first approved in the U.S. in 1992. The agreement, which also includes Toprol-XL’s authorized generic, includes an initial upfront payment of $175 million. Aralez will also pay AstraZeneca up to $48 million in milestone and sales-related payments, as well as royalties on sales.
Willkie also recently represented Aralez in its acquisition of the U.S. and Canadian rights to cardiovascular drug Zontivity® (vorapaxar) from Merck.
Aralez Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a global specialty pharmaceutical company focused on acquiring, developing and commercializing products primarily in cardiovascular, pain and other specialty areas.
The Willkie deal team advising on the current transaction was led by partners Adam Turteltaub, Russell Leaf and Michael Brandt and included partners David Tarr, Christopher Peters and Thomas Meloro; and associates Doug Hollins, Thomas Sharkey, Mia Ellis and Rachel Dooley.
