Under the expanded agreement, UCB has made an upfront payment and will make milestone payments to Jazz Pharmaceuticals. If the product is approved, UCB obtains the right to commercialize Xyrem for the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome. UCB will also pay royalties to Jazz Pharmaceuticals on Xyrem sales across the 54 agreed territories.
In addition, the agreement doubles the number of countries in which UCB has commercialization rights to Xyrem. Jazz Pharmaceuticals markets Xyrem in the US.
In September 2006, Jazz Pharmaceuticals announced the initiation of its phase III clinical development program evaluating the use of Xyrem for the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome
“Fibromyalgia is an under-diagnosed, under-treated condition and we are encouraged by the initiation of the phase III trial to evaluate Xyrem as a treatment for this chronic pain illness,” commented William Robinson, executive vice president for global operations at UCB.
Fibromyalgia syndrome is a chronic pain illness which is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal aches, pains and stiffness, soft tissue tenderness, general fatigue and sleep disturbances.
Xyrem is already indicated for the treatment of cataplexy, a side-effect of narcolepsy. Cataplexy includes sudden muscle weakness over parts or all of the body while awake.