WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: EGRX) today announced that it has entered into an agreement with the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD), the nation's leading science and technology laboratory in the area of medical chemical countermeasures research and development, to conduct a study to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of RYANODEX®(dantrolene sodium).

The study will be conducted under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA), a written agreement that allows government laboratories to partner with private industries or academia on research and development projects. Eagle will bear all costs associated with the study.

While the standard treatment of atropine and oxime is essential after exposure to a nerve agent, these drugs are not neuroprotective. If approved, RYANODEX would represent a first of its kind agent as a neuroprotective treatment for the amelioration of neurological damage due to nerve agent exposure. Nerve agent exposure often results in death.

“We are delighted to be working with the U.S. Military on this important study to evaluate RYANODEX as a neuroprotective therapy in nerve agent exposure, a potential new indication for the drug,” said Scott Tarriff, Chief Executive Officer of Eagle.

About USAMRICD

The United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD) is the nation's leading science and technology laboratory in the area of medical chemical countermeasures research and development. With sophisticated laboratories located at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, USAMRICD manages a diversified portfolio of medical chemical warfare agent research projects for the Department of Defense and other Federal Agencies. USAMRICD’s strategic plan relies on the continued outstanding performance of our scientists and support personnel and their abilities to exceed expectations on customer-directed research projects. As the Department of Defense's lead laboratory for the development of medical countermeasures against chemical threat agents, the USAMRICD is increasingly called upon to provide expert analytical and consultative services related to medical chemical defense research and to the medical management of chemical casualties. The Institute’s growing national and international customer base includes other government agencies, academia, pharmaceutical companies and commercial enterprises.

About Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Eagle is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing injectable products that address the shortcomings, as identified by physicians, pharmacists and other stakeholders, of existing commercially successful injectable products. Eagle’s main strategy is to utilize the FDA's 505(b)(2) regulatory pathway. Additional information is available on the Company’s website at www.eagleus.com.