Teva Pharmaceuticals and Emalex Biosciences announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Teva will acquire Emalex and its lead asset, ecopipam. Upon closing, Teva will pay Emalex shareholders $700M in cash, with the potential for up to an additional $200M in commercial milestone payments, as well as royalties on global net sales of ecopipam, subject to regulatory approval.
Ecopipam is Emalex’s investigational, first-in-class selective dopamine D1 receptor antagonist being developed for the treatment of pediatric Tourette syndrome. The compound has received FDA Orphan Drug and Fast Track designations for this indication. Positive Phase 3 data for ecopipam in children with Tourette syndrome have demonstrated statistically significant results on the study’s primary efficacy endpoint, and a New Drug Application submission is anticipated in the second half of 2026. Currently approved Tourette syndrome medications primarily target dopamine D2 receptors.
Teva stated that the acquisition expands its late-stage innovative neuroscience pipeline in a specialized, high-need area and aligns with its commercial capabilities and growth strategy. Following completion of the transaction, ecopipam would be integrated into Teva’s neuroscience portfolio, with Teva assuming responsibility for further development and potential commercialization, pending regulatory review and approval.
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