PRINCETON, N.J. — Sandoz Inc. has entered an agreement with Anacor Pharmaceuticals Inc. to obtain exclusive rights to commercialize Kerydin topical solution (5%), a toenail fungal infection medication, in the United States.

Under the deal, announced Monday, Sandoz will distribute and commercialize Kerydin (tavaborole) in the United States through its branded dermatology business PharmaDerm, which, will handle sales and marketing of the drug.

"Kerydin is an important addition to PharmaDerm’s product portfolio. This agreement provides us with an excellent growth opportunity and reinforces our leadership in the topical dermatology specialty market," stated Peter Goldschmidt, president of Sandoz, a subsidiary of Novartis. "Collaborations in key growth areas that offer potential for further synergies are an important part of our strategy of bringing high-quality, affordable medicines to patients."

On July 8, Anacor announced that the Food and Drug Administration approved its New Drug Application for Kerydin, which the company calls the first oxaborole antifungal approved for the topical treatment of onychomycosis of the toenails. Anacor reported that, according to Podiatry Today, the fungal infection of the nail and nail bed affects approximately 35 million people in the United States.

"We are pleased to enter into this agreement with Sandoz to commercialize Kerydin in the U.S. through PharmaDerm," commented Paul Berns, chief executive officer of Anacor Pharmaceuticals. "PharmaDerm’s dedication to branded prescription products to treat dermatological and podiatric diseases makes it an ideal collaborator to launch Kerydin. In addition, PharmaDerm has an experienced sales force, which will be able to reach the specialty physicians who treat large numbers of patients with onychomycosis."