U.S. pharmaceutical giant Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) has decided to discontinue the development of sisunatovir, an antiviral drug for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), following challenges including drug-drug interactions with antacids. The drug had reached the Phase II/III trial stage, and the decision will see two trials discontinued, according to Endpoints News.
Sisunatovir was a key asset that Pfizer acquired in its USD 525 million deal for ReViral in 2022. The anti-infective molecules targeted in that acquisition were anticipated to contribute up to USD 1.5 billion in annual revenues for Pfizer.
The development halt also affects the China market. LianBio (OTCMKTS: LIANY), a China-based biopharmaceutical company, had licensed the Greater China rights to sisunatovir from ReViral in 2021. In 2022, Pfizer paid an upfront fee of USD 20 million to take over LianBio’s rights to the molecule in China, relieving the latter of its obligations to ReViral. – Flcube.com
