The Medicines Company (MDCO) announced the exclusive worldwide licensing of ApoA-I Milano from Pfizer Inc. ApoA-I Milano is a naturally occurring variant of a protein found in human high-density lipoprotein (HDL) that has the potential to reverse atherosclerotic plaque development and reduce the risk of coronary events in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Under the terms of the agreement, Pfizer will receive an up-front payment of $10 million for ApoA-I Milano and will receive additional payments upon the achievement of certain clinical, regulatory and sales milestones up to a total of $410 million. Pfizer will also be eligible to receive single-digit royalty payments on worldwide net sales of ApoA-I Milano. The Medicines Company will also pay $7.5 million to third parties.

"The acquisition of ApoA-I Milano provides The Medicines Company with a significant asset that fits well within our current areas of business," said Clive Meanwell MD, PhD, chairman and chief executive officer of The Medicines Company. "By mimicking the actions of HDL, ApoA-I Milano has been shown in an early clinical study, published in JAMA, to rapidly reduce the size of atherosclerotic plaques. This is an area of cardiovascular medicine that is not yet served by currently available therapies -- and the potential to provide disease modification for patients with high risk atheroma and associated acute coronary syndromes represents a major innovation opportunity."

"We are very pleased to partner with The Medicines Company to advance the ApoA-I Milano programme as part of our strategy of out licensing programmes that Pfizer no longer pursues internally. The ApoA-I Milano programme has the potential to become a valuable and innovative medicine for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. We look forward to seeing it progress, thanks to The Medicines Company's experience in conducting large clinical trials in cardiovascular patients as well as their expertise in treating critical and intensive care patients," said David K. Rosen DVM, Head of Out Licensing for Pfizer Inc.

ApoA-I Milano is a naturally occurring variant of apolipoproteinA-I (ApoA-I), the main protein component of the HDL lipoprotein particle. The variant has been found in approximately 45 individuals from Limone sul Garda, a small village in northern Italy. Carriers of this variant appear to have reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Patented by the University of Milan and Pharmacia, ApoA-I Milano was licensed to Esperion Therapeutics. Esperion was subsequently acquired by Pfizer in 2004. Since that time, Pfizer has moved development forward with improvements to the original manufacturing process.

The Medicines Company is focused on advancing the treatment of critical care patients through the delivery of innovative, cost-effective medicines to the worldwide hospital marketplace. The Company markets Angiomax (bivalirudin) in the United States and other countries for use in patients undergoing coronary angioplasty, and Cleviprex (clevidipine butyrate) injectable emulsion in the United States for the reduction of blood pressure when oral therapy is not feasible or not desirable.