Retrophin Signs US License Agreement for Syntocinon Nasal Spray with Novartis

Retrophin, Inc. RTRX today announced that it has signed an agreement with Novartis Pharma AG NVS for an exclusive U.S. license for Syntocinon™ Nasal Spray, the intranasal formulation of a synthetic version of the naturally occurring peptide hormone oxytocin, for an upfront payment of $5.0 million plus milestone payments and royalties. Syntocinon™ Nasal Spray was approved in the U.S. in 1960 to assist initial postpartum milk ejection, but was discontinued by Novartis in 1997 for commercial reasons. Retrophin plans to reintroduce the product for prescription use in the U.S. in Q2 2014. Additionally, the company intends to pursue a clinical trial program with Syntocinon™ for its potential use as a treatment for schizophrenia and autism. See full press release