ESP Pharma Holding Company

ESP Pharma was a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of acute-care products for the hospital market. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Edison, New Jersey, the company specialized in cardiovascular and critical care therapeutics. Its primary commercial portfolio included Cardene IV for the treatment of hypertension and Retavase for acute myocardial infarction. The company's strategy involved acquiring late-stage or approved products and utilizing a dedicated hospital sales force to maximize their market potential. In March 2005, ESP Pharma was acquired by Protein Design Labs (now PDL BioPharma) for approximately $325 million, providing the acquirer with an established commercial infrastructure.