Pharma Watch: Alexza Licenses Nicotine Technology

August 30, 2010 (FinancialWire) (Go to http://www.financialwire.net/?s=ftrdnwswnd for all of today’s featured news.) — Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALXA) said that it has licensed its Staccato nicotine technology to Cypress Bioscience, Inc. (NASDAQ: CYPB). The Staccato nicotine technology is an electronic multidose delivery system designed to help people stop smoking.

According to Alexza, the Staccato nicotine technology is intended to improve on a well-validated smoking cessation approach by delivering nicotine via inhalation, mimicking the nicotine effects of smoking without the harmful side effects associated with cigarettes. In early July, the company outlined its strategy to advance Staccato-based product candidates into development through self-funding and through collaborations.

According to the terms of the agreement, Cypress will pay Alexza an upfront payment of $5 million to acquire the worldwide license for the Staccato nicotine technology. In addition, following the completion of certain preclinical and clinical milestones relating to the Staccato nicotine technology, Cypress will be obligated to pay to Alexza an additional technology transfer payment of $1 million.

Alexza will have a carried interest of 10% (subject to adjustment in certain circumstances) in the net proceeds of any sale or license by Cypress of the Staccato nicotine assets and the carried interest will be subject to put and call rights in certain circumstances.

Under the agreement, Cypress has responsibility for preclinical, clinical and regulatory aspects of the development of Staccato nicotine, along with the commercialization of the product.

Alexza said it will execute a defined development plan for Cypress, culminating with the delivery of clinical trial materials for a Phase 1 study with Staccato nicotine. 

California-based Alexza Pharmaceuticals is focused on the research, development and commercialization of novel, proprietary products for the acute treatment of central nervous system conditions.

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