AstraZeneca sells Foscavir to Clinigen

AstraZeneca has agreed a deal to sell its antiviral treatment Foscavir to fellow healthcare company Clinigen.

The company’s rights to the drug, which is specified for use against cytomegalovirus retinitis and acyclovir-resistant mucocutaneous herpes simplex virus in patients with immune deficiencies, will be transferred once regulatory hurdles are cleared.

Under the terms of the agreement, AstraZeneca will cede marketing and distribution rights to the compound in all territories other than Japan, although Clinigen hopes to acquire the drug in this territory at a later date.

Clinigen stated that the purchase of the drug will build on its track record of delivering “specialised, medically urgent treatments”.

It added: “Clinigen is committed to maintaining the supply of Foscavir and supporting the product in market.”

Earlier this month, AstraZeneca announced that it will be expanding its own product portfolio with the acquisition of a new selection of generic treatments from Torrent Pharmaceuticals.