Orexigen acquires rights to CONTRAVE in U.S.

Orexigen Therapeutics and Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., a subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., announced earlier this week that they have agreed on terms to terminate the Amended and Restated Collaboration Agreement for CONTRAVE (naltrexone HCI/bupropion HCI).

As a result, all rights to the medication will belong to Orexigen.

CONTRAVE is the nationwide leading prescription currently on the market designed for the treatment of overweight and obese adults who suffer from chronic weight management issues. Before the agreement can be terminated, it must first receive clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvement Act (HSR Act).

CONTRAVE is a vital option of treatment for overweight and obese adults when it is combined with diet and exercise. Orexigen and Takeda have both maintained that the two companies will remain dedicated to the development as well as the commercialization of the medication. After the collaborative agreement is closed, there will be a transition period of 180 days, during which Takeda will maintain the commercialization rights to CONTRAVE in the United States.

Orexigen believes that purchasing the rights to CONTRAVE in the United States will significantly increase its profits in the long term, and also lead to the creation of multiple routes to higher value for shareholders.