On November 4, 2015 Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:EGRX) ("Eagle" or the "Company") and Spectrum Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:SPPI) ("Spectrum") reported that they have entered into a co-promotion agreement ("the agreement") under which the Spectrum 32-person Corporate Accounts Sales Team will dedicate 80 percent of its time to selling and marketing up to six Eagle products over a period of at least 18 months (Press release, Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, NOV 4, 2015, View Source [SID:1234507976]). Spectrum will continue to maintain a separate sales force to market existing and potential hematology products.
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The agreement leverages the experience and network of the Spectrum Corporate Accounts Sales Team in order to maximize the respective product sales of both companies by targeting infusion centers, hospitals, and oncology purchasing groups.
The Spectrum Corporate Accounts Sales Team is a group of 32 proven and seasoned professionals focused in the hematology and oncology space, calling on infusion centers and hospitals. Each team member has extensive pharmaceutical industry experience, including years of oncology-specific experience. This cohesive team has demonstrated strong performance and they are poised to commercialize Eagle’s promising assets.
Under the terms of the agreement, the Spectrum Corporate Accounts Sales Team will promote up to six products. This will potentially include Eagle’s current pipeline plus products that may be in-licensed over time. Eagle’s approximately 20 direct sales representatives will focus on promoting Eagle products with an initial emphasis on the launch of RTU Bivalirudin and RYANODEX (dantrolene sodium).
As outlined in the agreement, Eagle will pay Spectrum a base fee of $12.8 million over 18 months. Spectrum will also have the opportunity to earn an additional $9 million in specific identified sales milestone payments if its Corporate Accounts Sales Team surpasses sales projections, for a potential total payment of up to $22 million in base fee and specified milestones over 18 months. The agreement grants both companies the opportunity for six-month renewal periods upon mutual agreement.
"Our agreement with Spectrum is a very positive step at this exciting and critical time for Eagle as we transition from a development-stage pharmaceutical company to a commercial organization with a portfolio of differentiated, in-market products and a continued promising pipeline," said Scott Tarriff, President and Chief Executive Officer of Eagle Pharmaceuticals. "Driven by our commitment to building sustainable, long-term shareholder value, this agreement allows Eagle to make this transition with little commercial risk and minimal financial obligation while we deliberately build our own commercial sales team."
"By partnering with Spectrum, we are capitalizing on a unique opportunity to strategically secure a highly-successful sales team that will spend 80 percent of its time calling exclusively on Eagle’s customers, infusion centers, hospitals, and oncology purchasing groups. We are confident that Spectrum’s proven sales team will help Eagle maximize the success of new product launches and achieve our increased revenue goals while reducing the expense burden prior to and during the launch process," concluded Tarriff.
"Partnering with Eagle is a value-enhancing opportunity as we continue our efforts to bring innovative products for patients and enhance value for Spectrum shareholders," said Rajesh C. Shrotriya, MD, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Spectrum Pharmaceuticals. "The timing of the agreement allows us to quickly leverage our existing infrastructure to launch and market Eagle’s drugs. Moreover, maintaining a cohesive and engaged sales team has long-term strategic value for Spectrum. By working with Eagle to promote its expanding portfolio of marketed products, we are providing the members of the Spectrum Corporate Accounts Sales Team an opportunity to strengthen their partnerships with key stakeholders in the oncology marketplace and participate in the engaging work of launching important therapeutics. We look forward to working closely with Eagle to bring improved specialty products to health care professionals and patients."
Eagle to Hire Approximately 20 Direct Sales Representatives as Part of Long-Term Commercialization Strategy; Sales Team to Form Company’s Internal Commercial Organization
As part of the co-promotion agreement and long-term strategy to build an internal commercial team, Eagle will also hire approximately 20 direct sales representatives who will be a part of Eagle’s independent commercial organization. These representatives will be managed under the Spectrum sales team infrastructure for the duration of the co-promotion agreement. This arrangement serves to ensure a well-trained sales team and facilitates a seamless, low-cost transition with minimal risk.
Eagle expects its in-market portfolio will significantly expand in 2016, assuming FDA approvals for Docetaxel Injection, RTU bivalirudin, and the tentatively approved 500 mL RTD bendamustine. Anticipated approval dates for these products are in December 2015, March 2016, and May 2016, respectively. Combined with anticipated royalties from Teva for rapidly administered bendamustine 50 mL, revenues from RYANODEX, and royalties from commercial partner net product sales for argatroban, the Company expects an increasing revenue stream and expedited ability to deliver long-term, sustainable growth.