Faes talking to Pfizer over allergy drug bilastine

Faes Farma says that it is in talks with Pfizer with regards to a possible link-up for the Spanish firm’s investigational oral allergy drug bilastine.

As well as claiming that it is “negotiating semi-exclusive licences for bilastine in certain countries” with the New York-based behemoth, the Bilbao-headquartered drugmaker added that it is “still in conversations with high level partners in order to complete co-marketing agreements in Europe and in the major emerging markets”.

Faes filed bilastine for approval in Europe in February for the treatment of the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria. The company recently signed an agreement with Merck Serono to sell the drug in India and linked up with Italy's Menarini in December 2007 to market bilastine in 51 countries, including the European Union.

Faes added that it will now look to complete licensing negotiations with partners in South America and Africa. Also the Menarini deal allows Faes to grant second licenses for bilastine in “the big European markets”, if the Italian firm agrees. A marketing deal is also in place with Yuhan Corp, one of South Korea’s leading pharmaceutical firms.

At the beginning of last year, partner Inspire Pharmaceuticals terminated its licensing agreement with Faes concerning the US and Canadian rights for the bilastine and it could be that Pfizer is interested in taking those rights up.