Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Lexington-based biopharmaceutical company, has signed an exclusive agreement with AstraZeneca, one of the world's leading pharmaceutical company, to promote and provide other support in the United States for MERREM(R) I.V. (meropenem for injection), an established broad spectrum (carbapenem class) I.V. antibiotic.

Under the deal, Cubist will promote and support MERREM I.V. using its existing U.S. acute care sales and medical affairs organizations.

However, AstraZeneca will continue to provide marketing and commercial support for MERREM I.V.

MERREM I.V. is indicated as single-agent therapy for the treatment of complicated appendicitis and peritonitis, complicated skin and skin structure infections, and pediatric bacterial meningitis.

The agreement, effective July 1, 2008, establishes a baseline of US$20mn annual revenue to Lexington-based Cubist, which will be adjusted based on actual MERREM I.V. sales.

Cubist’s total revenue in 2007 was $294.62 million and net income was $48.15. However other terms of the agreement, are kept confidential.