Novartis Enters Into Agreement for Exclusive US and Canadian Rights to Fanapt(TM), an FDA-Approved Oral Therapy for Schizophrenia

-- Fanapt (iloperidone), an antipsychotic therapy, is indicated in US for the acute treatment of schizophrenia in adults, set for US launch in early 2010

-- Addition of Fanapt will strengthen Novartis psychiatry portfolio and build on history in schizophrenia

-- Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe and disabling psychiatric disorder estimated to affect more than two million adults in the US and nearly 250,000 Canadians

-- Rights to Fanapt acquired from Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. for upfront payment of USD 200 million; Vanda eligible for milestones and sales royalties

Novartis Pharma AG has entered into an agreement for exclusive US and Canadian rights to Fanapt(TM) (iloperidone), a new oral medication that is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the acute treatment of adults with schizophrenia. Novartis plans to launch Fanapt in the US in early 2010.
As part of the agreement with Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc., Novartis will have exclusive commercialization rights to the oral formulation of this medicine in the US and Canada as well as exclusive rights to develop and commercialize a long-acting injectable (or "depot") formulation of this medicine for these markets.
Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder that is estimated to affect more than 2 million adults in the US and nearly 250,000 Canadians. Fanapt belongs to a class of medication for schizophrenia known as atypical antipsychotics.

READ MORE @ PR NEWSWIRE

Novartis spent almost $1.4 million lobbying in 3Q

Swiss pharmaceutical maker Novartis AG spent nearly $1.4 million lobbying the U.S. government in the third quarter, according to a recent disclosure form.

Novartis (nyse: NVS - news - people ) lobbied on bills designed to ensure the government has a sufficient stockpile of influenza vaccine in case of an outbreak, and that the government helps pay for vaccines for seniors, children and uninsured adults. The company makes flu vaccine, as well as vaccines against rabies, meningitis and several childhood illnesses.

Novartis also lobbied on the Defense Department's budget and another bill involving the military's Tricare program, which insures about 9 million current and retired service members and dependents. The company, which makes two anti-rejection drugs, Neoral and Myfortic, lobbied to provide comprehensive coverage for immune-suppressing drugs for kidney transplant patients.

READ MORE @ FORBES