Pharmaceutical Business review

Validus acquires bipolar drug from Shire

Equetro (carbamazepine) is a treatment for the acute manic and mixed episodes associated with bipolar-1 disorder – a condition where patients experience extended periods of exaggerated highs in addition to the extended lows commonly associated with bipolar disorder. Equetro’s patented advanced drug delivery technology also provides patients with the convenience of twice-daily dosing.

“This is a watershed moment in the commercialization of Validus Pharmaceuticals,” said James Hunter, Validus president and CEO. “Equetro fits well within our growing product portfolio which includes Marplan (isocarboxazid), the classic MAO-inhibitor for treatment-resistant depression.”

Validus Pharmaceuticals will begin active promotion of Equetro during the US Psychiatric & Mental Health Congress in Orlando, Florida in early October.