Baxter Acquires Specialty Pharmaceutical Company

Baxter International Inc. recently announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire privately held Prism Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company based in King of Prussia, PA. Prism Pharmaceuticals has developed and received US FDA approval for multiple presentations of NEXTERONE (amiodarone HCl), an antiarrhythmic agent. The NEXTERONE product portfolio, which does not contain polysorbate 80 or benzyl alcohol, includes the first and only ready-to-use premixed intravenous (IV) bag formulations as well as vials and a prefilled syringe.

The terms of the agreement include a total consideration of up to $338 million, consisting of an upfront cash payment of $170 million at closing and up to $168 million in future sales-based milestone payments. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2011, subject to customary closing conditions and expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act. This transaction is not expected to have a material impact on Baxter’s 2011 financial results.

The NEXTERONE premixed IV formulations were recently approved by the FDA in two ready-to-use dosage forms: 150 mg in a 100-mL flexible container for rapid 10-minute loading infusion and 360 mg in a 200-mL flexible container for subsequent loading and maintenance infusions. These ready-to-use formats require no admixing, eliminating potential medication errors associated with compounding. In addition, NEXTERONE can be stored at room temperature during its 2-year shelf-life and fits in automated dispensing cabinets and crash carts, putting the product in patient care areas ready for use during acute, time-sensitive, and life-threatening situations. Prior to entering into the definitive agreement to acquire the company, Baxter was the contract manufacturer selected by Prism to manufacture the premixed IV bags using Baxter’s proprietary GALAXY container technology and the prefilled syringe.

“NEXTERONE is a great addition to our leading portfolio of premix drugs and solutions for the acute care setting. It offers clinicians a unique, ready-to-use antiarrhythmic agent for critical and time sensitive situations, while also providing convenience to caregivers and value to pharmacists,” said Robert M. Davis, President of Baxter’s Medical Products Business. “Based on our strong hospital relationships and familiarity with the product, Baxter is well-positioned to launch the ready-to-use presentations of NEXTERONE.”

“The development and approval of NEXTERONE has been Prism’s greatest achievement,” added Warren Cooper, CEO of Prism Pharmaceuticals. “We look forward to Baxter’s success in launching this product, which will benefit clinicians and the patients they serve.”

Amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic medication used for ventricular tachyarrhythmias, or fast forms of irregular heartbeat. NEXTERONE Premixed Injection is indicated for initiation of treatment and prophylaxis of frequently recurring ventricular fibrillation and hemodynamically unstable ventricular tachycardia in patients refractory to other therapy.