Oscient sounds out notes with SEC

Oscient Pharmaceuticals Corp. has filed registration statements relating to proposed exchange offers involving some of its convertible notes.

The Waltham company markets such drugs as Antara, used to treat high cholesterol, and Factive, used in treatment of chronic bronchitis.

The company said it has filed registration statements with the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to proposed exchange offers involving holders of its outstanding 3.5 percent senior convertible notes due in 2011 and 5 percent convertible promissory notes due in 2009.

Oscient said it intends to offer up to roughly $185 million aggregate principal amount of its new 3.5 percent convertible senior notes due 2011 for up to all of the nearly $153 million aggregate principal amount of its currently outstanding 3.5 percent senior convertible notes due 2011 and just over $22 million of its currently outstanding 5 percent convertible promissory notes due 2009.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)