AZ COMPLETES SALE OF ANTIBIOTICS BUSINESS

23 December 2016 07:00

ASTRAZENECA COMPLETES SALE OF SMALLMOLECULE ANTIBIOTICS BUSINESS TO PFIZER

AstraZeneca today announced that it has completed the agreement with Pfizer Inc. for the sale of the commercialisation and development rights to its late-stage small molecule antibiotics business, comprising the approved antibiotics Merrem, Zinforo and Zavicefta, and ATM-AVI and CXL, which are in clinical development.

Under the agreement, AstraZeneca has received a payment of $550 million for the commercialisation and development rights to the late-stage antibiotics business in all markets where AstraZeneca holds the rights. In addition, Pfizer will pay a further $175 million in January 2019, up to $250 million in commercial, manufacturing and regulatory milestones, up to $600 million in sales-related payments as well as recurring, double-digit royalties on future sales of Zavicefta and ATM-AVI in certain markets.

As AstraZeneca will not maintain a significant future interest in the late-stage small molecule antibiotics business, all payments will be reported as Other Operating Income in the Company's financial statements. The $550 million upfront and $175 million unconditional payment will both be booked in the fourth quarter of 2016, net of a product intangible.

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines, primarily for the treatment of diseases in three main therapy areas - Oncology, Cardiovascular & Metabolic Diseases and Respiratory. The Company also is selectively active in the areas of autoimmunity, neuroscience and infection. AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. For more information, please visit www.astrazeneca.com and follow us on Twitter @AstraZeneca.

Adrian Kemp

Company Secretary, AstraZeneca PLC