Aqua Pharmaceuticals has announced the acquisition of the U.S. rights to two dermatology products, VELTIN® (clindamycin phosphate and tretinoin) Gel, 1.2%/0.025% and ALTABAX® (retapamulin) Ointment, 1%, by the global pharmaceutical company Almirall, parent company of Aqua, from GlaxoSmithKline. Both VELTIN®and ALTABAX® will be promoted through Aqua in the United States.
VELTIN® is a prescription combination product containing an antibiotic (clindamycin) and a retinoid (tretinoin) indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris in patients 12 years of age and older. VELTIN® should be applied once daily in the evening to the affected area.
ALTABAX® is a topical antibiotic indicated for the treatment of the skin infection impetigo due to susceptible strains of Staphylococcus aureus or Staphylococcus pyogenes in adults and pediatric patients 9 months of age or older. ALTABAX® is indicated for use twice-daily for a five-day period.
In a press release, Eduardo Sanchiz, CEO of Almirall, stated, “Considering the significant expertise of Aqua Pharmaceuticals in the dermatology field, we are convinced they will be in a good position to maximize the potential of VELTIN® and ALTABAX®. Both medications are a perfect fit with our current portfolio, are aligned with our global strategy and strengthen our position in the U.S., which is the world’s largest dermatology market.”
“We are extremely excited about this acquisition and the opportunity to add these effective, complementary products to our existing portfolio,” said Ted White, Chief Operating Officer at Aqua. “The addition of VELTIN® and ALTABAX® will create new opportunities throughout our organization and help us achieve our vision of becoming the finest dermatology specialty company.”