Akorn Picked Up Merck's AzaSite® Rights. . . Sweet Deal!

While completely immaterial to Whitehouse Station's results and outlook, there are some good reasons to highlight this great deal, for Akorn, Inc.

So -- the folks at Akorn will make a killing with this line. Good for them! From The Street Insider, then -- a bit:

. . . .Akorn, Inc. announced that it has acquired from Merck, the U.S. rights to three branded ophthalmic products, including those product rights obtained through the acquisition of Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a subsidiary of Merck, for $52.8 million in cash. Products included in this transaction are AzaSite®, COSOPT® and COSOPT® PF. In addition, Akorn has signed a two-year supply agreement with Merck as well as a transition services agreement with customary terms. Akorn plans to ship COSOPT® and COSOPT® PF immediately upon close and expects to begin shipping AzaSite® in the first quarter of 2014.

"We are excited to announce this transaction which will further expand Akorn’s position as a leader in U.S. ophthalmology products," said Raj Rai, CEO, Akorn. "The addition of these branded products to Akorn’s portfolio strengthens our business and leverages our existing ophthalmic sales force and physician relationships. . . ."

Kudos go to Mr. John N. Kapoor, here. . . carry on.