Warner Chilcott, Paratek partner for acne and rosacea agents

Tetracycline antibiotics are used for treating moderate to severe inflammatory acne. Paratek says it has developed novel narrow-spectrum antibacterial tetracyclines with improved anti-inflammatory activity, tolerability and other properties for the next generation treatment of acne and rosacea.

“We look forward to a productive collaboration with Paratek as we work together to progress Paratek’s novel tetracycline products through the development process and into commercialization,” said Roger Boissonneault, CEO and president of Warner Chilcott.

Stuart Levy, co-founder and chief scientific officer of Paratek Pharmaceuticals, says that while effective, currently marketed tetracyclines possess antibacterial activity against a broad number of organisms not associated with acne or rosacea, which can lead to adverse consequences such as resistance development among life-threatening bacteria and persistent side effects. “Paratek’s proprietary compounds have been designed to circumvent these issues by better targeting the causative bacteria and retaining potent anti-inflammatory properties,” he added.

Under the terms of the agreement, Warner Chilcott will assume responsibility for clinical development of the tetracycline derivative products and will have exclusive rights to market the products in the US. Paratek received an up-front payment and will be eligible to receive additional payments upon achievement of certain development and regulatory approval milestones. Warner Chilcott will pay a royalty to Paratek on sales of any product under the agreement.

The leading candidate under the agreement is in preclinical development and expected to enter clinical development in 2008.