Fera acquires rights to investigational otomycosis treatment

NEW YORK Fera Pharmaceuticals has acquired rights to an investigational drug for treating a rare fungal ear infection, Fera said Wednesday.

Fera announced the acquisition of itraconazole topical suspension, currently in phase 2 studies as a treatment for fungal otitis externa, also known as otomycosis. Because of the rarity of FOE, the drug has received orphan drug designation from the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA grants orphan drug designation to drugs for treating diseases that affect fewer than 200,000 patients in the United States.

“This acquisition fulfills a key strategic imperative for Fera – product development and commercialization in specialty and underserved therapeutic categories,” Fera president Frank DellaFera said.