Ikaria, Lee's Partner On Inomax For Hypoxic Respiratory Failure

By Cyndi Root

Ikaria and its INO Therapeutics subsidiary has partnered with Lee's Pharmaceutical on the registration and commercialization of Ikaria's Inomax (inhaled nitric oxide). The two companies announced the deal in a press release, stating that the agreement was for China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Inomax is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved treatment for hypoxic respiratory failure (HRF) associated with pulmonary hypertension in term and near-term infants greater than 34 weeks gestational age.

Daniel Tasse, CEO of Ikaria, said, "Expansion into the Asia Pacific region is a top priority for Ikaria and is expected to be an important growth driver in the years to come. By leveraging Lee's Pharmaceutical's existing infrastructure, extensive knowledge in cardiovascular solutions and proven regulatory and commercialization expertise, Ikaria aims to bring Inomax Total Care into these and other key geographic markets throughout Asia.”

Under the terms of the agreement between Ikaria and Lee, Lee will begin the registration process quickly in the specified territories, which Dr. Li Xiaoyi, Executive Director and CEO of Lee's calls, “the Greater China areas.” The two companies did not disclose the financial terms of the new partnership or other details.

Inomax

Inomax is the only FDA-approved pharmaceutical nitric oxide available worldwide. The agent is approved in Australia, Canada, Europe, Japan, South Korea, and some countries in South America. Dr. Li Xiaoyi states that due to the high number of newborns in the Asian region, Inomax meets a high unmet need. It acts as a vasodilator, relaxing the pulmonary blood vessels. Along with ventilatory support and other agents, Inomax oxygenates the blood of fragile newborns.

About Ikaria

Ikaria is based in Hampton, NJ and has manufacturing facilities in Port Allen, LA and Madison, WI. The company focuses on critical care therapies for hospital and ICU settings. Ikaria partners with other entities to distribute its products globally. In December 2013, Ikaria announced that Madison Dearborn Partners had agreed to acquire the majority ownership in Ikaria for approximately $1.6 billion. Tim Sullivan, Managing Director at Madison Dearborn, said, “The company is very well positioned for continued strong growth by virtue of its critical therapy, long-standing relationships with hospital administration and exceptional management team.”