SAN DIEGO, Oct. 8, 2012 \/PRNewswire\/ --Optimer Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (OPTR) today announced the sale of its stake in Optimer Biotechnology, Inc. (OBI) to current OBI shareholders. The sale is expected to result in gross proceeds to Optimer of U.S. $60 million and will be used to support the commercialization of DIFICID (fidaxomicin) tablets and for other corporate purposes. The transaction is expected to close in two phases, subject to customary closing conditions and the completion of administrative matters. The first closing is expected to take place in the fourth quarter of 2012 and the second closing is expected to take place in the first quarter of 2013. <\/p>\n
(Logo: http:\/\/photos.prnewswire.com\/prnh\/20090413\/LA97352LOGO<\/a>) <\/p>\n \"The sale of our stake in OBI completes the transition of OBI from a wholly-owned subsidiary of Optimer to an independent organization. We intend to utilize the capital realized from this investment to advance the commercial efforts in support of our core business, includingour new initiatives designed to increase patient access to DIFICID,\" noted Pedro Lichtinger, President and CEO of Optimer. <\/p>\n Top-Line Third Quarter U.S. Sales <\/p>\n For the third quarter of 2012, Optimer's top-line U.S. gross DIFICID sales to wholesalers were $18.4 million, up from $18.0 million in the second quarter. Further, 6,436 DIFICID treatments were shipped from Optimer's wholesalers to hospitals, retail pharmacies and long-term care facilities in the third quarter, up from 6,131 in the second quarter, reflecting a 5% increase. <\/p>\n Third Quarter Financials Conference Call <\/p>\n Optimer will host a conference call on November 1 at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time to review third quarter financial results and provide an update on the business. The conference call may be accessed by dialing (877) 280-7280 for domestic callers and +1 (678) 825-8232 for international callers. Please specify to the operator that you would like to join \"Optimer's Financial Results Call.\" The conference call will be webcast live under the Investors section of Optimer's website atwww.optimerpharma.com, where it will be archived for 30 days following the call. <\/p>\n About Optimer <\/p>\n Optimer Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing innovative hospital specialty products that have a positive impact on society. Optimer developed DIFICID (fidaxomicin) tablets and is commercializing DIFICID in the US and Canada. Optimer also received marketing authorization for fidaxomicin tablets in the European Union where its partner, Astellas Pharma Europe, is commercializing fidaxomicin under the trade name DIFICLIR. The company is exploring marketing authorization in other parts of the world, including Asia. Additional information can be found at http:\/\/www.optimerpharma.com<\/a>. <\/p>\n Forward-Looking Statements <\/p>\n<\/p>\n More here: SAN DIEGO, Oct. 8, 2012 \/PRNewswire\/ --Optimer Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (OPTR) today announced the sale of its stake in Optimer Biotechnology, Inc. Continue reading
\nOptimer Pharmaceuticals to Sell Remaining Ownership in Optimer Biotechnology, Inc. for U.S. $60 Million<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"