Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd receives second milestone payment from Pfizer for strong Cresemba sales in Asia Pacific and China.

Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd announced that strong sales performance of Cresemba (isavuconazole) by Pfizer Inc. in the Asia Pacific region and China exceeded the sales threshold triggering a $2.5 million milestone payment. Cresemba is marketed in over 70 countries and achieved $562 million in global sales in 2024, a 19% year-on-year growth, making it the largest branded antifungal for invasive fungal infections worldwide.

Allschwil, Switzerland, June 05, 2025 - Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd (BSLN: SIX) announced that the continued strong sales performance of its antifungal drug Cresemba® (isavuconazole), marketed by Pfizer Inc., in the Asia Pacific region and China has exceeded the sales threshold, triggering a USD 2.5 million milestone payment [1]. This marks the second milestone payment this year, underscoring the growing demand for innovative antifungal therapies globally.

Cresemba, an intravenous and oral azole antifungal, is now marketed in over 70 countries. According to the latest available market data, total global in-market sales of Cresemba in the twelve-month period between January and December 2024 amounted to USD 562 million, a 19 percent year-on-year growth. This makes Cresemba the largest branded antifungal for invasive fungal infections worldwide [1].

The license agreement between Basilea and Pfizer covers Europe (excluding the Nordic countries), China, and 16 countries in the Asia Pacific region. The drug is approved in China for the treatment of adult patients with invasive aspergillosis and invasive mucormycosis, as well as in several other countries including the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom [1].

Basilea, a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company, is committed to developing and commercializing innovative drugs for severe bacterial and fungal infections. The company has successfully launched Cresemba and Zevtera, another hospital brand for bacterial infections, and has preclinical and clinical anti-infective assets in its portfolio [1].

The milestone payment reflects the strong and growing global demand for novel antifungal therapies, particularly in China where uptake has been robust. David Veitch, Basilea’s Chief Executive Officer, stated, "This milestone payment for the Asia Pacific region, including China, reflects the strong and growing global demand for novel antifungal therapies. Continued growth of Cresemba, particularly in China, where uptake has been especially robust, reinforces its significant clinical value for patients facing life-threatening infections. We congratulate our partner Pfizer for their ongoing commitment to making Cresemba available to patients in need." [1]

The continued success of Cresemba is a testament to Basilea’s strategic approach to licensing and commercialization, as well as the significant clinical value of the drug in treating life-threatening fungal infections. Investors and financial professionals should closely monitor Basilea’s progress as it continues to develop and expand the reach of Cresemba and other innovative therapeutic solutions.

References:
[1] https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/06/05/3094099/0/en/Strong-Cresemba-isavuconazole-sales-performance-in-Asia-Pacific-and-China-triggers-further-milestone-payment-to-Basilea.html