Spectrum Pharma Acquires Talon Therapeutics

Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (SPPI), a biotechnology company with fully-integrated commercial and drug development operations with a primary focus in hematology and oncology, today announced that, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, the company entered into an agreement to acquire Talon Therapeutics, Inc. (TLON), a biopharmaceutical company based in South San Francisco, California, and expects to complete the acquisition within one day. 

The acquisition would add a novel FDA-approved hematology product to Spectrum's portfolio. Marqibo^® (vinCRIStine sulfate LIPOSOME injection) for intravenous infusion is expected to be launched later this year through Spectrum's existing hematology sales force. Marqibo is being evaluated in two ongoing Phase 3 trials that could expand its label in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and front-line acute lymphoblastic leukemia.Through the acquisition, Spectrum also obtains a Phase 2 oncology supportive care drug, Menadione Topical Lotion.

In connection with the closing of the acquisition, Spectrum will pay Talon stockholders an aggregate upfront cash consideration of approximately $11.3 million and will issue 3 million shares of its common stock in exchange for the cancellation of all of the outstanding indebtedness under Talon's credit facility. Talon stockholders will also receive contingent value rights (CVRs) in an aggregate of up to $195 million in future cash payments from Spectrum upon the achievement of certain one-time sales-based milestones for Marqibo® and an approval-based milestone for Menadione Topical Lotion. There can be no assurance as to the actual value, if any, of a CVR. The CVRs will not be publicly traded.

Through this acquisition, Spectrum will gain worldwide rights to Marqibo, an FDA-approved hematology product for the treatment of leukemia, as well as a Phase 2 product, Menadione Topical Lotion for the treatment of the skin toxicity associated with epidermal growth factor receptor anti-cancer agents, such as ERBITUX^®. Marqibo, is a novel, sphingomyelin-based liposome encapsulated formulation of vincristine indicated for the treatment of adult patients with Philadelphia chromosome-negative (Ph-) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in second or greater relapse or whose disease has progressed following two or more anti-leukemia therapies. Vincristine, a microtubule inhibitor, is widely used in combination regimens for treatment of adult and pediatric hematologic and solid tumor malignancies. Spectrum expects to launch Marqibo with the same sales force that sells its current oncology drugs, FOLOTYN® (pralatrexate injection) and ZEVALIN® (ibritumomab tiuxetan) injection for intravenous use.

"With this acquisition, we have added another drug that fits very well with our hematology and oncology franchise and addresses an unmet medical need for cancer patients," said Rajesh C. Shrotriya, MD, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President of Spectrum Pharmaceuticals. "In a registration trial in Ph- ALL patients who had all previously failed multiple prior therapies and, therefore, had limited treatment options, Marqibo, as a single agent, demonstrated efficacy that led to accelerated approval by the FDA. By acquiring the rights to Marqibo, Spectrum will be able to further leverage its current infrastructure and experience in hematology and oncology to help these patients. We are very excited about this potential transaction as it delivers both an important clinical treatment to cancer patients and compelling value to our shareholders."

Pursuant to the terms of the transaction agreements, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Spectrum entered into an agreement to purchase approximately 89% of the outstanding shares of Talon directly from Talon's principal stockholders and purchased additional shares directly from Talon that, together with the shares acquired from Talon's principal stockholders, represent in excess of 90% of the outstanding shares of Talon. Spectrum, through its subsidiary, agreed to acquire the remaining outstanding shares of common stock of Talon through a "short form" merger under applicable Delaware law. Spectrum expects to complete the merger and acquire 100% of the common stock within one day and, as a result, Talon will become a subsidiary of Spectrum.

Corporate Stock Transfer, Inc., acting as the paying agent for the merger, will mail to the remaining former stockholders of Talon materials necessary to exchange their Talon shares for such payment. Additionally, the paying agent will distribute an appraisal rights notice containing additional detail regarding the transaction and the consideration received by common stockholders within 10 days following the merger.

H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC is acting as Spectrum's exclusive advisor, Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth, P.C. is acting as legal counsel to Spectrum.

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