Eagle Pharma Divests Barhemsys to Focus on High-Stakes Pipeline

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. – January 14, 2026 – Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced today the strategic divestiture of its U.S. marketing authorization for Barhemsys, a key treatment for postoperative nausea and vomiting, to the Paris-based LXO Group. The move signals a significant strategic pivot for Eagle, which plans to use the proceeds to fund its core business operations and focus on its high-potential oncology and critical care pipeline amid challenging financial conditions.

The transaction transfers the rights of a unique asset to LXO Group. Barhemsys (amisulpride) holds the distinction of being the only therapy specifically approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV), a common and distressing complication affecting millions of surgical patients annually.

A Calculated Retreat to Fund the Future

For Eagle Pharmaceuticals, the sale of Barhemsys is more than a simple portfolio adjustment; it is a critical maneuver to shore up its financial foundation and redirect resources toward what it hopes will be more lucrative future assets. While the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, Eagle CEO Michael Graves framed the divestiture as a move to "streamline its acute care business and maximizing value for our shareholders."

This decision comes at a pivotal time for the company. Recent financial reports have painted a concerning picture, with recurring operational losses and official statements noting "substantial doubt" about its ability to continue as a going concern. The company's financial health has been categorized as "distressed," with a negative free cash flow yield pointing to significant liquidity pressures. By divesting Barhemsys, Eagle gains an immediate, albeit undisclosed, cash infusion earmarked for "ongoing business operations."

This move allows Eagle to reduce its spending on the acute care commercial infrastructure it had built to support Barhemsys and its other hospital product, Byfavo. While the two drugs showed promising sales growth, the resources required to maintain a dedicated hospital sales force were substantial. The sale effectively outsources this cost while providing capital to fuel the company's research and development engine, which is now the centerpiece of its survival and growth strategy.

Betting Big on Oncology and Critical Care

With the divestiture complete, Eagle Pharmaceuticals is sharpening its focus on its core pipeline in oncology and CNS/metabolic critical care, where it believes the greatest long-term value lies. The company is banking on two key candidates to redefine its future.

The first is EA-114, a novel treatment for HR+/HER- advanced breast cancer. Eagle submitted a New Drug Application (NDA) for EA-114 in March 2025, and the company is now facing a critical PDUFA (Prescription Drug User Fee Act) date with the FDA set for today, January 14, 2026. An approval could transform the company's prospects, opening up a significant market and validating its R&D direction.

The second major asset is CAL02, a candidate for treating severe bacterial infections. In June 2023, the FDA granted CAL02 both Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP) and Fast Track designations for treating suspected Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia, a life-threatening condition. These designations not only expedite the review process but also provide an additional five years of market exclusivity upon approval. Eagle believes CAL02 is a new chemical entity with patent protection extending to 2035 and potentially beyond, creating a long runway for commercialization without generic competition. This long-term potential is precisely where Eagle is now directing its focus and newfound capital.

LXO Group's Bold Foray into the U.S. Hospital Market

While Eagle retreats to its R&D fortress, LXO Group is seizing the opportunity to launch a major offensive in the U.S. market. The acquisition of Barhemsys is a significant strategic victory for the French pharmaceutical company, providing it with a fully commercialized, uniquely positioned product and an established sales infrastructure.

Jason Jones, Head of U.S. Operations at LXO Group, highlighted the immediate benefits, stating, "The deployment of a direct hospital sales force around Barhemsys significantly enhances our US commercial capabilities and creates immediate synergies with our existing U.S. portfolio." This comment indicates that LXO is not starting from scratch but is instead adding a flagship product to an existing, albeit smaller, U.S. operation.

By acquiring Barhemsys, LXO gains control over a drug that addresses a critical unmet need. PONV is a pervasive issue in post-surgical settings, and Barhemsys stands alone as the only FDA-approved therapy for treatment, particularly for "rescue" cases where initial preventative measures have failed. This unique regulatory status provides a powerful competitive moat against other antiemetics, such as ondansetron or dexamethasone, which are often used for prophylaxis but lack the specific indication for active treatment. LXO can now leverage this distinction with a dedicated sales team, aiming to make Barhemsys the standard of care in hospitals across the country.

The Future of a Critical Post-Surgical Treatment

The change in ownership raises important questions about the future of Barhemsys for patients and providers. Both companies have emphasized their commitment to ensuring uninterrupted access. The press release noted the deal will ensure "access to this important treatment for the millions of patients affected annually by PONV."

For healthcare providers, the transition to LXO Group's leadership could prove beneficial. LXO's plan to integrate Barhemsys into its hospital-focused distribution channel and support it with a direct sales force may lead to increased awareness, education, and availability. A more focused commercial effort by a company building its U.S. hospital presence could expand the drug's reach beyond what the financially strained Eagle could sustain long-term.

The clinical significance of Barhemsys is undisputed. Approved in February 2020, it offers a novel mechanism of action as a selective dopamine D2/D3 antagonist, providing a new tool for anesthesiologists and surgeons struggling to manage patient comfort and prevent more serious complications associated with vomiting after surgery. As LXO Group takes the helm, the medical community will be watching closely to see how the new stewardship impacts the drug's market penetration and its role in evolving PONV management protocols. This strategic transaction ultimately reshapes the landscape for two companies, allowing one to fight for its future in R&D while the other solidifies its commercial presence in the world's largest healthcare market.