ImaRx and Microbix to manufacture clot dissolving drug

ImaRx intends to transfer the manufacturing process and NDA to Microbix creating a new source for urokinase. This new supply of urokinase will allow ImaRx to continue to serve its current customers beyond its existing inventory of manufactured drug product. It also provides the opportunity to expand sales to additional vascular physicians and acute care institutions and to explore clinical development of urokinase for additional vascular indications. In addition, Microbix receives the right to further develop the drug for certain new indications in catheter clearance and prophylaxis of serious catheter related complications such as blood stream infections and venous thrombi. Microbix’s future targets are also expected to include opportunities in oncology and ophthalmology.

ImaRx will retain existing drug inventory and exclusive rights to sell the drug for the currently approved indication and will gain access to a long term drug supply through a supply agreement with Microbix. With this new supply, ImaRx will have the ability to develop urokinase for new indications other than those to be pursued by Microbix in areas such as stroke, peripheral arterial occlusion, deep vein thrombosis and myocardial infarction. Additionally, ImaRx will receive a royalty on sales of urokinase for new indications developed by Microbix.

Bradford Zakes, president and CEO of ImaRx, said: “This agreement enables ImaRx to rejuvenate a market for which we had a limited supply of product while simultaneously providing both ImaRx and Microbix the opportunity to leverage urokinase into new, untapped indications.”