Barrier gets North American rights for skin treatment

Under the terms of the acquisition, Barrier made an initial cash payment of $3 million and will make future payments totaling up to an additional $2 million, depending upon future sales of the product.

Under the agreement, Barrier is being assigned all US and Canadian marketing authorizations, patents, and trademarks for the product and is purchasing all existing inventory. The patent rights include US and Canadian patents covering Solage’s pharmaceutical composition and methods of use until 2010.

“Select product acquisitions to expand Barrier’s portfolio are part of our business strategy,” stated Al Altomari, chief commercial officer for Barrier Therapeutics. “The criteria for potential acquisitions include that the products have patent protection, complement our existing portfolio, and have brand equity with the dermatology community. We are excited about the acquisition of Solage as it satisfies each of these criteria.”

Solage was launched by Galderma Laboratories in 2003 and marketed by Galderma until the product’s sale to Moreland in December 2004. Through a separate transaction, Galderma and Barrier have entered into a distribution agreement under which Galderma will provide distribution services and logistical support for the product during a transition period.

Solage contains two active ingredients, mequinol and trentinoin. In the US, the product is indicated for the treatment of solar lentigines, commonly known as ‘liver spots’, while the Canadian indication is somewhat broader and includes use for related hyperpigmented lesions as well.

Currently, Solage is the only combination product approved in the US for the treatment of solar lentigines.