NAPSR News: Acorda will acquire Civitas Therapeutics

WASHINGTON - Sept. 25, 2014 - PRLog -- Acorda Therapeutics announced on September 24, 2014, their plans to acquire Civitas Therapeutics, a privately-held biopharmaceutical company, for $525 million in cash. Acorda is expected to acquire rights to CVT-301 which is a Phase 3 treatment contender for OFF episodes of Parkinson’s disease (PD).  CVT-301 is a therapeutic treatment, comprised of a dry powder L-dopa formulation enclosed within blister-packed capsules and  is administered via a proprietary, pocket-size, reusable inhaler.  Acorda will also acquire the ARCUS^TM pulmonary delivery technology pioneered by Civitas along with the manufacturing facility based in Chelsea, MA .

“This acquisition marks a great day for Acorda and Civitas. Both companies share a passion for developing novel therapies that can restore function to people with neurological diseases. We also see substantial synergies between our capabilities, people and pipelines,” said Ron Cohen, M.D., Acorda's President and CEO. “The acquisition adds an exciting product candidate to Acorda’s pipeline that addresses a significant unmet need in Parkinson’s disease. It also leverages Acorda’s existing development and commercial capabilities and creates an opportunity for us to develop a global presence. In addition, Civitas’ ARCUS technology adds a proprietary platform with the potential for future development opportunities.”

Approximately one million people in the United States are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The Phase 3 study of  CVT-301  will begin in early 2015 due to the high unmet need for proper therapies to address the debilitating symptoms called  OFF episodes. If successful, the expected regulatory filing will happen by the end of 2016.

Acorda's therapeutic portfolio is expected to see a significant boost with the assumption of Civita's ivestigational treatment CVT-301 and other novel therapies developed by the biotech firm. If approved, this will without a doubt bolster the need for both certified and qualified individuals to promote their diversified product portfolio. When industry leaders look for new candidates for sales/marketing positions, they look toward individuals that are industry trained. Companies are looking for people that have the background to sell their product both proficiently and efficiently.

CANDIDATES WHO WANT TO BREAK INTO PHARMACEUTICAL SALES!

The CNPR is a federally trademarked certification you can earn by demonstrating the necessary knowledge in pharmacology, medical terminology, physiology, and regulations for selling pharmaceuticals. The CNPR examination is dedicated to increasing the professional level of NAPSR members and to developing meaningful and ethical standards fully accepted by both its members and members of the pharmaceutical community.

The CNPR® Program represents a level of industry achievement and a demonstrated knowledge of pharmacology, medical terminology, pharmaceutical selling guidelines, physician selling techniques and industry standards. Pharmaceutical sales candidates who have this training will differentiate themselves from other individuals looking for open positions. Upon successful completion of the training each student will receive the Certification Mark of the CNPR®. CNPR® graduates should immediately utilize the NAPSRx® Career Center to apply for pharmaceutical sales positions.

Individuals that are interested in becoming a Certified National Pharmaceutical Representative (CNPR) can contact the National Association of Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives(NAPSRx) for more information or visit the website at http://napsronline.org/