In order to expand its product portfolio further beyond paediatric drugs, Pernix Therapeutics has agreed to acquire Somaxon Pharmaceuticals in a US$25 M stock-for-stock deal. With the acquisition, which has been approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies, Pernix will gain Somaxon’s insomnia drug Silenor® (doxepin), which it expects to earn annual net sales of approximately US$10–15 M. Somaxon has struggled in recent years as Silenor failed to live up to commercial expectations in a crowded market dominated by generics.