Forest Laboratories, an international pharmaceutical manufacturer and marketer, and biotech Nabriva Therapeutics have entered into an agreement for the development of Nabriva’s novel antibacterial agent, BC-3781.

Forest will provide Nabriva with $25 million, and fund and conduct in collaboration with Nabriva certain development activities related to BC-3781 over the next 12 months. BC-3781 belongs to a novel class of antibiotics, the pleuromutilins. BC-3781 exhibits microbiological activity against a wide range of Gram-positive pathogens (including Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA and penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae), as well as certain Gram-negative organisms (including Legionella pneumophila and Chlamydophila pneumoniae), often implicated in respiratory infections.

During the 12-month period, Forest also has the exclusive right to acquire Nabriva. Forest's decision to acquire Nabriva will be dependent upon certain contingencies. No further financial or other terms were disclosed. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory clearances including termination of the applicable Hart-Scott-Rodino waiting period.