Bayer and Nektar ink $175 million deal for inhaled pneumonia medication

WASHINGTON Bayer Healthcare and Nektar Theraputics signed a research and development agreement, potentially worth $175 million, for Nektar’s inhaled pneumonia treatment, the Food and Drug Administration reported.

Should Nektar’s NKTR-061 (amikacin), an aminoglycoside antibiotic indicated for the treatment of gram-negative pneumonias, be approved by the FDA, the companies will co-promote the drug. Bayer will be paying Nektar $50 million upfront with possible milestone payments of an additional $125 million.

Bayer will also handle international marketing and "clinical development, regulatory strategy, manufacturing and marketing," the FDA reported.