BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. announced that Orapred ODT (prednisolone sodium phosphate orally disintegrating tablets), the first FDA-approved orally disintegrating tablet form of prednisolone, is now commercially available in the United States. The Orapred product line, which includes Orapred ODT and Orapred (prednisolone sodium phosphate oral solution) is marketed by Alliant Pharmaceuticals, Inc., pursuant to a North American license and acquisition agreement entered into on March 15, 2006.

Orapred is prescribed primarily for acute exacerbations of asthma in children, and is also used to control severe, persistent asthma and to reduce inflammation seen in numerous medical conditions including arthritis and cancer. Orapred ODT utilizes a proprietary orally disintegrating tablet technology to provide a taste-masked, non-refrigerated and convenient formulation of prednisolone.

"We are pleased that Orapred ODT is now commercially available in the United States and look forward to working along side Alliant in their effort to achieve a successful product launch," stated Jean-Jacques Bienaime, chief executive officer of BioMarin.

Under the terms of the agreement, BioMarin has received a $4 million milestone payment in association with product launch and will receive a final $4 million milestone payment on June 1, 2007, the one year anniversary of the approval of Orapred ODT. Additionally, BioMarin will receive royalties on Orapred products sales. BioMarin will retain commercial rights to the Orapred product line outside of North America.