Merus Labs acquires Emselex/Enablex drug rights in Canada, Europe

Specialty pharmaceutical company, Merus Labs International, has acquired Emselex/Enablex (darifenacin) extended release tablets rights from Novartis Pharma in Canada and Europe, excluding France, Spain and Italy.

As part of the acquisition, Merus Labs will manufacture, market, and sell darifenacin, used to treat overactive bladder with symptoms of urge urinary incontinence, urgency and frequency.

The acquisition also includes darifenacin trademark and patent, certain related intellectual property and other information and materials required to continue marketing the brand in the territories acquired.

Merus Labs International president and CEO-elect Elie Farah said, “The addition of darifenacin will broaden the Company’s existing product portfolio, expand our geographic focus, and bring scale to our business.”

In 2011, the muscarinic antagonist had recorded net sales of around $23m in the regions acquired. Merus Labs has financed the acquisition with cash on hand and a debt facility from PDL BioPharma.