New Rights Obtained for Ophthalmic Product

International Pharmaceutical Products Inc. of Costa Mesa said it has signed an agreement with Laboratorios Cusi S.A., of Barcelona, Spain, for the exclusive manufacture and distribution of timolol maleate in the United States and Canada.

The drug, one of the largest selling ophthalmic products in North America, is used to decrease pressure in the eyes of patients with glaucoma.

Currently the drug is being sold under patent by Merck & Co. under the name Timoptic. Annual sales of the product in the United States are said to be about $130 million.

International Pharmaceutical said it expects to begin selling timolol maleate in Canada as soon as it completes the required registration and licensing procedures there, possibly by 1988.

Sales in the United States will begin no sooner than 1989, when the first of the relevant Merck patents expires and timolol maleate becomes a generic prescription drug. International Pharmaceutical said its entrance into the timolol maleate market should reduce the cost of the drug to consumers.

International Pharmaceutical makes and sells pharmaceutical products including a full line of generic ophthalmic products and selected injectables. The company is also developing a product to treat ulcers under a license from the University of California.