Inspire Pharmaceuticals' partner in Japan began selling its dry eye treatment in that country today, triggering a $1.25 million payment for the Durham company.

Inspire also will receive royalty payments for Japanese sales of the drug, known as Diquas, under the agreement with partner Santen Pharmaceutical.

Inspire also is testing a new treatment for cystic fibrosis.

“We are completing this year with continued strong operational momentum," said Inspire CEO Adrian Adams, in a prepared statement.

That included recently paying off its debt. And the company is preparing to move its headquarters from an office park in Durham to a new building in Raleigh's Brier Creek area next month.

Inspire shares closed Friday at $7.10, up 8 cents.