Akorn Inc has entered into an option agreement -to license a patent entitled "M-EDTA Pharmaceutical Preparations of Uses Thereof" (Invention) and related technology rights invented by Issam I Raad and Robert Sheretz-with the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre.

This agreement grants Akorn an option to evaluate the invention and to determine an appropriate regulatory pathway based on discussion with the US Food and Drug Administration.

An official statement from Akorn says, the Invention is targeted at the prevention of intravascular catheter-related infections and occlusions. If Akorn exercises its right to license the Invention, it will pay an initial license fee, fund clinicals, and pay a milestone license fee upon FDA approval and royalties for the life of the patent.

Arthur S Przybyl, Akorn's president and CEO, stated, "This invention has the real potential to help prevent catheter related infection in high risk patients. Currently, there is a known mortality rate and high cost of treatment associated with these types of infections. Studies that have already been conducted, have demonstrated effectiveness against these infections. There are current CDC Guidelines that recommend using prophylactic antibiotic lock solutions for these types of high-risk patients. We are excited to begin work with MD Anderson and the inventors to eventually commercialize this invention."

Akorn Inc manufactures and markets sterile specialty pharmaceuticals.