NextWave, Tris Enter CNS Pact

NextWave Pharmaceuticals and Tris Pharma have entered a collaboration agreement under which Tris Pharma will use its drug delivery technology for liquid and solid formulations to enhance NextWave’s CNS product portfolio. Tris has reacquired the rights to non-CNS products including the OTC products previously licensed to NextWave.

NextWave will commercialize NexiclonXR (clonidine) Extended-Release Tablets and Suspension, which is approved by the FDA and will be introduced to wholesalers and pharmacies by NextWave in 2Q10. NextWave and Tris will also collaborate on the development of three additional CNS products, with an option to expand development to additional products. All products under the agreement incorporate Tris’ OralXR+ technology for delivery of suspension or solid dosage forms, which provides a 24-hour delivery profile in taste-neutral formulations.

“Long-acting products that do not require swallowing remain an unmet need of the industry. With our products, we intend to focus on this unique opportunity. We are excited to work with Tris to bring these unique and important products to patients, especially the pediatric, adolescent, and adult populations,” said Jay Shepard, chairman and chief executive officer of NextWave.