MAP, Allergan to co-promote Levadex

IRVINE, Calif. — Anticipating regulatory approval, MAP Pharmaceuticals and Allergan will collaborate to promote a drug for treating acute migraine to physicians.

The two companies announced the collaboration Monday for Levadex (dihydroergotamine), an inhaled drug. Phase-3 trials for the drug are finished, and MAP plans to submit an approval application for the drug to the Food and Drug Administration in the first half of this year.

If the drug is approved, Allergan and MAP will co-promote the drug to neurologists and pain specialists, and Allergan will use members of its sales force who already have experience promoting Botox for chronic migraine. MAP will be responsible for manufacturing and distribution, receiving an upfront payment of $60 million from Allergan and up to $97 million in milestones. The two companies will share profits.