WALTHAM, Mass., June 16, 2026
Innoviva Specialty Therapeutics announced an exclusive distribution and licensing agreement with Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories to advance the development and commercialization of XACDURO® (sulbactam for injection; durlobactam for injection) across South and Central America, the Caribbean, Russia, and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries, subject to applicable regulatory approvals. The agreement represents a significant step in expanding global access to a novel treatment targeting serious infections caused by Acinetobacter baumannii-calcoaceticus complex, a highly drug-resistant pathogen recognized as a critical public health threat. Through the partnership, Dr. Reddy’s will lead development, regulatory, and commercialization activities within the licensed territories, while Innoviva retains rights in all remaining global markets and becomes eligible for upfront payments, milestone payments, and tiered royalties.
Addressing a Growing Threat from Drug-Resistant Acinetobacter Infections
Acinetobacter baumannii-calcoaceticus complex remains one of the most challenging bacterial pathogens facing healthcare systems worldwide, particularly in hospital intensive care settings. The pathogen is associated with hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia (HABP) and ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia (VABP), infections that are often difficult to treat due to widespread antimicrobial resistance. In several regions covered under the agreement, rates of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter reportedly exceed 70%, highlighting a substantial unmet medical need. The World Health Organization has classified Acinetobacter among its highest-priority bacterial threats due to the urgent need for new treatment options. By expanding access to XACDURO, the companies aim to support healthcare providers confronting severe infections where limited therapeutic alternatives are available.
XACDURO Remains the First FDA-Approved Therapy for Targeted Acinetobacter Pneumonia
XACDURO became the first and only FDA-approved antibiotic specifically indicated for the treatment of adults with HABP and VABP caused by susceptible isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii-calcoaceticus complex when it received U.S. regulatory approval in May 2023. The therapy combines sulbactam, a beta-lactam antibacterial agent, with durlobactam, a beta-lactamase inhibitor designed to overcome bacterial resistance mechanisms. This combination was developed to restore antibacterial activity against highly resistant Acinetobacter strains that have become increasingly difficult to treat using conventional antibiotics. The availability of a targeted therapeutic option has been viewed as an important advancement in the global fight against antimicrobial resistance and hospital-associated infections.
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Strategic Partnership Supports Global Infectious Disease Expansion
The collaboration strengthens Innoviva Specialty Therapeutics’ strategy of expanding access to innovative anti-infective medicines through regional partnerships while maintaining operational focus in key markets. Dr. Reddy’s brings extensive experience in pharmaceutical commercialization, regulatory execution, and infectious disease management across emerging and established healthcare markets. Company executives highlighted the agreement as an important step toward delivering critical therapies to patients and healthcare systems facing serious multidrug-resistant infections. As antimicrobial resistance continues to rise globally, partnerships focused on accelerating access to effective antibiotics are becoming increasingly important. The XACDURO agreement positions both companies to address significant unmet medical needs while supporting broader efforts to combat resistant bacterial pathogens across multiple international regions.
Source: Innoviva Specialty Therapeutics press release
