Pharma/Biotech Alliances from Elsevier Business Intelligence

[Nextran] and [Cytel] in xenotransplant collaboration

Tue, 01 Oct 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[Baxter Healthcare]'s [Nextran] (organ transplant technology) division will collaborate with [Cytel] (immunotherapeutics) to develop a carbohydrate column for xenotransplantation (animal organs transplanted into humans). Nextran funding will consist of an upfront payment including an equity investment and milestones. Cytel will exclusively supply its enzymatic sugar nucleotide cycling technology (SNC) (permits mass production of bioactive carbohydrates) for Nextran to incorporate into its xenotransplant product; a column that filters the organ recipient's blood to remove carbohydrate-attacking antibodies that would cause organ rejection.

[Boehringer Mannheim] markets [Recombinant BioCatalysis] enzymes

Tue, 01 Oct 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[Corange]'s [Boehringer Mannheim] has signed a worldwide marketing agreement to non-exclusively market certain enzymes supplied by [Recombinant BioCatalysis] (enzyme discovery) to produce biocatalysts for use in synthesizing compounds. Recombinant, founded in 1994, discovers enzymes capable of withstanding extreme conditions. It also generates gene libraries and performs high-throughput enzyme clone screening. These enzymes broaden BM's existing portfolio, to enable discovery of enzymes for pharmaceutical, food products, agrochemical and various other chemical applications, and identification of unique enzymes that could increase manufacturing capabilities, leading to a reduction in costs, handling and disposal of byproducts.

[BMS] collaborates with [Pharma Mar] on anti-cancer drugs

Tue, 01 Oct 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[Bristol-Myers Squibb] has the option to an exclusive worldwide license from [Pharma Mar] (marine-derived anti-cancer drugs) for the continued development of 12 cancer therapeutics from Pharma Mar's portfolio of marine organisms. Pharma Mar collects & screens (using a range of human cancer cell lines) non-vertebrate marine micro-organisms to develop AIDS and anti-cancer drugs. Marine organisms display a diversity of life forms because of the harsher environment they've endured. They appear to have a greater potency than land-based sources. Pharma Mar has more than 350 compounds in its portfolio with 100 compounds proven {in vitro} to have anti-cancer properties.

[Novo Nordisk] licenses [Scios]' insulinotropin

Sun, 01 Sep 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[Novo Nordisk] (insulin and diabetes treatments) exercised an option, acquired in July and due for expiration in the fall, to exclusively license [Scios]' (therapeutics for acute illnesses) insulinotropin hormone peptide. The product had been licensed to [Pfizer], but Pfizer recently terminated the agreement, returning to Scios all rights and technologies related to insulinotropin, currently in Phase II trials. Novo will get exclusive worldwide rights in return for an upfront payment, calendar-based and developmental milestones, and royalties on sales. Insulinotropin stimulates insulin release in response to increases in blood sugar levels, allowing for more precise blood sugar regulation. This control can reduce the risk of hypoglycemia in Type II diabetes.

[Triangle] options rights to [Univ. California] cancer drug

Sun, 01 Sep 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[Triangle Pharmaceuticals] (antivirals) optioned rights from the Regents of the [University of California] to alanosine and related technologies in treating certain types of cancer. The option expires Sept. 1, 1998. Triangle paid the Regents an option fee, and if it exercises its option, will pay an initial license fee and an annual license maintenance fee, along with milestones and sales royalties; the royalty payments include an annual minimum.The company would receive exclusive worldwide rights to the drug for treating cancers that lack the enzyme methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP), required in one of two different ways cells make adenosine (alanosine interferes with the synthesis of adenosine). The partners also entered into a sponsored research agreement with Triangle providing $450,000 to fund two Phase II trials at UC San Diego to measure alanosine's efficacy in treating non-small cell lung cancer and brain cancer.

[Houghten] licenses combinatorial technology from [Torrey Pines]

Sun, 01 Sep 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[Houghten Pharmaceuticals] (combinatorial chemistry) exclusively licensed a technology used to identify highly active compounds in combinatorial libraries from the [Torrey Pines Institute]. The technology, known as {PositionalScan}, was invented by Drs. Richard Houghten, Clemencia Pinilla and Jon Appel, and is covered by an 8/96 issued patent. The technology is essentially a combinatorial screening method used to rapidly isolate the most useful chemical structure in a library of related compounds. Most types of compound libraries are created combinatorially, but screened serially, or one-by-one, against targets. Houghten Pharmaceuticals has first right of refusal to all discoveries made at Torrey Pines, an independent non-profit research institute founded in 1988 by Dr. Houghten, also the founder of the company.

[Cytoclonal] licenses [University of Texas] antisense technology.

Sun, 01 Sep 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[Cytoclonal Pharmaceutics] exclusively licensed worldwide rights to a filed patent covering a technology for effectively targeting antisense molecules from the [University of Texas] at Dallas. Developed by UT's Dr. Donald Gray under a 6/94 sponsored research agreement, the technology is an algorithm for identifying the optimum regions within genes to bind antisense products. Therapeutic antisense products are designed to bind directly to, and alter the expression of genes involved in diseases such as cancer and AIDS. Using the UT technology, Cytoclonal believes it can improve the binding specificity and stability of antisense targeted against a given gene. Through the ongoing collaboration with UT, Cytoclonal plans to build and sell a library of optimized antisense reagents for a variety of disease genes.

[Antisoma] and [Imperial Cancer Research Fund] form cancer JV

Sun, 01 Sep 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[Antisoma] (cancer diagnostics and therapies) and [Imperial Cancer Research Technology], the development arm of the [Imperial Cancer Research Fund], have formed [Cancer Therapeutics Ltd.] to develop anti-cancer products. The joint venture will identify, develop, and market tumor targeting antibodies. Both London-based companies have already contributed several antibodies to the venture including {Theragyn}, Antisoma's lead product for treating ovarian cancer, currently in Phase III trials. Antisoma will fund the JV and supply all clinical development, regulatory and marketing support. The ICRT will supply lab facilities to the JV, which gets rights to license other targeting antibodies developed by the ICRF.

[Texas Biotechnology] buys 10% of [Structural Bioinformatics]

Sun, 01 Sep 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[Texas Biotechnology] (cardiovascular therapeutics) took a 10% equity position in [Structural Bioinformatics Inc.], a San Diego-based start-up that uses software to convert gene sequences into three-dimensional protein structures. Texas Biotech also granted SBI certain computational design patent claims, and gets access for three years to SBI's protein database libraries, with an option to maintain access after three years at highly favorable terms. SBI, founded in March 1996, uses high-speed algorithms to convert gene sequence data into 3-D protein drug targets and locate surface features that show promise as sites for small molecule drugs. The company's strategy is to license out access to its database and library of proteins in a manner similar to Incyte's. Its president is Edward Maggio, PhD, who also founded two other biotech companies: [Synbiotics] and [ImmunoPharmaceutics], which was purchased by TBC in 1994.

[Schering-Plough] gets rights to [Sequus]' {Caelyx}; later ends

Sun, 01 Sep 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[Schering-Plough] licensed exclusive worldwide marketing and development rights outside of the US, Japan, and several small markets to [Sequus]' (liposomes) oncology drug {Caelyx} (pegylated liposomal doxorubicin HCl). Sequus will receive (uf)$5.3mm up front and could receive up to $27mm in milestones; it also retains manufacturing rights. {Caelyx}, which is marketed in US as {Doxil} and approved as treatment for Kaposi's sarcoma in AIDS patients, has received European Union approval, and SP expects to begin marketing there shortly. The drug is a {Stealth} liposome formulation of the anti-cancer drug doxorubicin. The two companies will also begin separate development efforts on two different solid tumor indications, SP conducting trials and handling regulatory approvals in its territories for its indication.

[Ethical] to develop sustained-release CV drug for [Towa]

Sun, 01 Sep 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[Towa Pharmaceutical] (Japanese generics company) signed a development and license agreement giving it exclusive rights in Japan and some other SE Asian territories to an oral cardiovascular drug to incorporate [Ethical]'s {Multipor} delivery system. Ethical has already had the sustained-release product in feasibility studies for Towa since last year. Towa develops generic prescription drugs in-house, as well as licensing from other companies; it has a particular specialty in cardiovascular medicines.

[Roche] licenses [Gilead]'s influenza candidates

Sun, 01 Sep 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[Hoffmann-La Roche] has licensed the exclusive, worldwide rights to [Gilead Sciences]' neuraminidase inhibitors for the treatment of viral influenza, including GS-4104, in exchange for up to $50mm in upfront and milestone payments to Gilead. Roche paid (uf)$10.3mm upfront and may pay up to $40mm in milestones. It will handle all R&D costs (GS-4104, the lead neuraminidase inhibitor, has completed preclinical studies) and pay sales royalties. Gilead will be responsible for US trials, while Roche handles trials elsewhere. Additionally, Gilead gets US co-promotion rights for 3-yrs to Roche's {Roferon-A} (interferon alfa-2a), a hepa C treatment awaiting FDA approval. Gilead's rights will be limited to the hep C indication (Roche markets it for cancer), and it will receive a percentage of net sales plus a residual payment following the 3-yr term.

[GenVec] licenses herpes simplex virus technology from [BTG USA]

Sun, 01 Sep 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[GenVec] ({in vivo} gene therapy) licensed exclusive worldwide rights to [BTG PLC]'s herpes simplex virus technology to develop gene delivery systems for treating Parkinson's disease and other neurological disorders. GenVec of Rockville, MD will run clinical trials and receives exclusive rights to any products resulting from research conducted by technology developer, Dr. Chris Preston of Glasglow's [Medical Research Council] Virology Laboratory. The H-based vector, modified so that the virus can not replicate, is a successful gene delivery vehicle because it is able to enter the central nervous system and endure there.

[Bristol-Myers Squibb] gets beraprost from [HMR], [Toray]

Sun, 01 Sep 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[Bristol-Myers Squibb] has licensed from [Hoechst Marion Roussel] and [Toray Industries] (Japan) the US and Canadian rights to develop and market beraprost, which treats vascular diseases, including peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Beraprost, now in Phase II in the US and Phase III in Europe, was discovered by Toray and licensed to [Marion Merrell Dow], now a division of [Hoechst Marion Roussel]. MMD was required by the FTC to divest beraprost when it was acquired by Hoechst in 1995. A major symptom of PAD, intermittent claudication (caused by lack of blood flow), can lead to significant physical debilitation including weakness and pain in the legs.

[Elan], [Cytogen] end cancer JV: [Targon Corp.]

Sun, 01 Sep 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[Elan] and [Cytogen] have combined their oncology programs into a joint venture, [Targon Corp.], which will be initially capitalized with $20mm. Elan bought $5mm worth of Cytogen common and $15mm in Series A preferred shares (convertible at Elan's option into Cytogen common at an exercise price ranging from $8.40-14 per share for a maximum of 1,785,715 shares, or half ownership of Targon). Targon gets rights to Elan's EL-530 and EL-532 (Phase II for solid tumors), and Cytogen's {ProstaTec} (second generation version of {ProtaScint},-under FDA review for the location of prostate tumor); {OncoTec}, an imaging agent for breast cancer; and Cytogen's PSMA technology for detection of prostate cancer in the blood.

[P&U] to pay [Biogen] $30mm in settlement

Sun, 01 Sep 1996 00:00:00 -0400

To settle a patent dispute, [Pharmacia & Upjohn] will pay [Biogen Technologies] $30mm in royalties plus a percentage of future North American and Japanese sales of {Genotropin}, its recombinant growth hormone product. Biogen had filed a complaint claiming P&U's {Genotropin} infringed its protein secretion technology patent that it licensed from [Harvard University]. Biogen has dropped its suit as a result of this agreement. Biogen develops and tests drugs for inflammatory, neurological, and respiratory diseases.

[Allelix]'s [Base4], [Mt. Sinai Toronto] in bioinformatics deal

Sun, 01 Sep 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[Allelix]'s new subsidiary [Base4 Bioinformatics] agreed to supply, for two years, its advanced computer technology to search for new genes and understand their role in diseases to [Mount Sinai Hospital of Toronto]'s [Samuel Lunenfeld Institute]. Base4 has created multiple nodes of operation to maximize and protect its high powered bioinformatics technology and to distribute to several medical research centers. Mt. Sinai's Institute, which focuses on molecular biology and the genetic basis of disease, is Base4's first deal. Base4 will work directly with researchers at the Institute, dedicating approximately 20% of their time, providing technical support during the two-year agreement. The objective: to model 3-D proteins from linear DNA sequences. In return, Base4 gets rights to any leads resulting from the collaboration.

[Aurora] to use [ArQule]'s {Mapping Array} in drug discovery deal

Sun, 01 Sep 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[Aurora Biosciences] (screening technology) will use [ArQule]'s {Mapping Array} sets of small molecule compounds to discover new drug leads. The companies will jointly develop any successful hits identified in Aurora's screens and share ownership rights and revenues equally. There is no upfront money or equity involved in the deal. Aurora develops automated systems for ultra-high-throughput screening based on fluorescence-based assays. ArQule uses two types of arrays to help develop its combinatorial chemistry libraries. Its {Mapping Array} compound sets, which will be used in this collaboration, are novel, diverse small-molecule compounds and its {Directed Array} compound sets are arrays of analogues of a particular lead compound.

[Chiron] will use [GI]'s discovery platform for secreted proteins

Sun, 01 Sep 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[Genetics Institute] is launching its {DiscoverEase} drug discovery platform, which quickly isolates gene-secreted proteins and determines their functions in human tissues. [Chiron] is one of its two initial licensees ([Genentech] is signing up now too). GI is trying to distinguish itself among the other gene sequencing companies in two ways. First, its technology culls from the 100,000 human genes, the subset that is most likely to lead to drugs, since genes that trigger production of secreted proteins (those that leave the cell) are more likely to have therapeutic applications. Second, GI plans to enroll multiple partners at low up-front fees. Licensees will pick individual proteins from the library (first-come, first-serve) and get exclusive rights to them; the payoff to GI comes from an option to co-develop and co-commercialize the resulting candidates.

[Genentech] will use [GI]'s {DiscoverEase} genomics data

Sun, 01 Sep 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[Genentech] signed as a charter partner as [Genetics Institute] begins outlicensing use of its {DiscoverEase} functional genomics discovery system, which offers a library of human proteins, full length genes, a relational database, and technical support. With these and future clients, GI will charge a low access fee but will take value later on by retaining co-development and co-commercialization rights. {DiscoverEase} is based on a patented technology, the {Signal Sequence Trap}, which identifies only those genes (a fraction of the human genome) that instruct cells to produce proteins, molecules that mediate both internal cell functions and cell-to-cell interactions. Existing drugs from secreted proteins include insulin, interferon, and erythropoietin. Genentech will claim specific proteins from the library to license exclusively. GI also signed a similar deal with [Chiron].

[Advanced Biological] to market [Biopharmaceutics]' cancer drug

Sun, 01 Sep 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[Advanced Biological Systems] (invests in technology and pharmaceuticals) will commit about $3.75mm in an alliance to commercialize [Biopharmaceutics]' (branded and generic pharmaceuticals) {Mitolactol} cancer drug. ABS will pay Biopharmaceutics $2.75mm in cash and stock for rights to market the product. Payment comprises 425,000 shares of ABS common stock (about (uf)$1.1mm), plus $150,000 in cash before 10/31/96. The remainder will be paid upon successful IND filings and approval of {Mitolactol}, which is currently in Phase III trials. ABS will also pay $1mm to cover all costs associated with the final development and regulatory approval of the drug. Biopharmaceutics gets 60% of the profits that may be generated until it has received a minimum of $2mm. Thereafter, the profits will be split 55% for Biopharmaceutics and 45% for ABS.

[Carl Zeiss] makes equity investment in [BioDx]

Sun, 01 Sep 1996 00:00:00 -0400

The American subsidiary of [Carl Zeiss], [Zeiss Optical Systems] (diagnostic optical screening instruments) has made an equity investment in [BioDx] (formerly Biological Detection- biodetection software) as part of an existing collaboration. The alliance employs Zeiss' optical and mechanical technologies and BioDx's fluorescence detection and informatics tools. The first product resulting from this collaboration is {Arrayscan}, an automated cell-screening system that uses fluorescent probes in high-precision and high-throughput systems for cell-based drug discovery.

[SuperGen] gets NA rights to [Warner-Lambert]'s {Nipent}

Sun, 01 Sep 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[SuperGen] (generic cancer and blood cell drugs) licensed exclusive marketing rights in the US, Canada, and Mexico to [Warner-Lambert]'s {Nipent} (pentostatin), for a combination of cash and SuperGen equity (equity purchase is below one percent). The agreement also gives SuperGen W-L's drug inventory, the trademarks, patents and data relating to manufacture of the product; the US NDA; the he Canadian New Drug Submission; and certain clinical studies.Pentostatin marketed in the US for hairy cell leukemia; it has orphan drug status for that indication and for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. In addition to these cancer indications, the drug is in Phase II trials to treat rheumatoid arthritis. SuperGen now has four drugs that it markets to oncologists; for the other three, it licensed nonexclusive US rights from [Barr Laboratories] in July. [NOTES:] SuperGen's 10K for 1997 reports terms: it paid $2mm cash and $1mm in unregistered restricted shares of common stock (72k shares). Furthermore, SuperGen paid W-L an additional $500k in cash in December 1997 upon the FDA's approval of its supplemental NDA.

[Beaufour-Ipsen] gets [Neurex]'{Corlopam} in Europe & Far East

Sun, 01 Sep 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[Neurex] (products for cardiorenal disease) will license marketing rights in Europe and the Far East (excluding Japan) to intravenous and alternate forms of its {Corlopam} (fenoldopam) to French pharmaceutical company [Beaufour-Ipsen]. [Neurex] could get licensing fees and milestones up to $7.5mm, will receive royalties from future sales and will retain manufacturing rights. Neurex licensed {Corlopam}, a treatment for malignant hypertension, congestive heart failure and acute renal failure, from [SmithKline Beecham] in 1994. Beaufour-Ipsen develops and sells oncology, intensive care and cardiovascular products to European and Far East hospital markets.

[BioTransplant] uses [Activated Cell Therapy]'s stem cell device

Sun, 01 Sep 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[BioTransplant] (anti-rejection drugs and organ transplant systems) acquired exclusive worldwide rights, in the field of organ transplantation, to use [Activated Cell Therapy]'s bone marrow stem cell isolation device. BT will use ACT's bone marrow purification devices to process and isolate human and porcine bone marrow cells for its {AlloMune} system, for human-to-human solid organ transplantation, and {XenoMune} system, for pig-to-human organ transplantation. The systems promote transplant tolerance by re-educating the recipient's immune system to accept the donor organ. ACT's device recently received FDA approval.

[Axiom] in drug discovery deal with Japanese biotech [Zaiya]

Sun, 01 Sep 1996 00:00:00 -0400

In a three-year research collaboration, [Axiom Biotechnologies] (biotech start-up) will apply its cell-based screening technology to [Zaiya]'s (2-year old Japanese biotech) genetic targets for treating allergies, asthma, and inflammation. Axiom gets research funding, milestone payments and royalties on any marketed products. In return, Zaiya gets exclusive worldwide rights to all lead drug candidates that result from the collaboration. The agreement will focus on CD40, a B cell surface receptor, which activates intracellular signaling proteins that cause B cells to produce immunoglobulin E, of which elevated levels in the blood have been linked to asthma, allergies and other inflammatory diseases. Axiom will develop small-molecule compounds that enter B cells and block the signaling proteins, preventing immunoglobulin production.

[ArQule] & [Roche Bioscience] to discover and develop new drugs

Sun, 01 Sep 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[ArQule] will apply its molecular building block technologies in a three-year collaboration with [Roche Bioscience] (R&D, ethical drugs) to discover and speed development of new therapeutics. ArQule will synthesize {Directed Arrays}, or custom libraries of analogues of a particular compound, based on lead compounds provided by Roche. Absent early termination, ArQule will get $12.1mm in guaranteed research funding over theperiod and research and clinical milestone payments that could bring the total to $50mm. Roche will pay royalties on any drugs developed from the collaboration.

[Mallinckrodt] & [Metasyn] to R&D MRI agent

Sun, 01 Sep 1996 00:00:00 -0400

The [Mallinckrodt Group] (MKG) licensed from [Metasyn] (noninvasive cardiovascular and neurological diagnostics) exclusive rights for its MRI agent MS-325. MKG pays a (uf)$6mm license fee up front and gets exclusive rights excluding Japan (recently licensed to [Daiichi Radioisotope]), to MS-325 and other MRI vascular agents. Both will share in product development by contributing assets, and sharing R&D and clinical trials costs and resulting profits. MS-325, now in Phase I US trials, is an injectable agent for MRI imaging of the cardiovascular system, and is an alternative to catheter-based x-ray angiography.

[LeukoSite] and [Oxford Asymmetry] R&D inflammatory bowel disease

Sun, 01 Sep 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[LeukoSite] has identified a lymphocyte binding site and [Oxford Asymmetry] will combinatorially synthesize small molecules for that receptor, in a collaboration to find candidates for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). LeukoSite has a model of IBD that demonstrates that blocking the Alpha 4-Beta 7 integrin receptor on lymphocytes to MAdCAM-1 (an adhesion receptor on the cells of blood vessels lining the intestine) can prevent lymphocyte infiltration andlessen symptoms of IBD. Oxford will use its combinatorial chemistry program to synthesize molecules to block this receptor. LeukoSite will test these candidates using high throughput screening to identify optimal leads and undertake development thereafter. Oxford will receive partial research funding, milestone payments and royalties, LeukoSite retains worldwide rights.

[ArQule] & [Sugen] find compounds to inhibit signal transduction

Sun, 01 Sep 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[ArQule] will use its {Mapping Array} combinatorial synthesis technology to develop compounds which inhibit signal transduction using lead structures provided by [Sugen]. Sugen will have exclusive rights to compounds for tyrosine kinase and serine-threonine kinase targets, and ArQule will get rights to commercialize compounds targeting other areas. The companies will pay each other royalties on any products developed.

[Roche] licenses [Oxford Molecular]'s discovery software

Sun, 01 Sep 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[Oxford Molecular Group] (drug discovery and design software) licensed [Hoffman-La Roche] the use of its {RS3 Discovery}, an {Oracle}-based program that adds the capabilities of a chemical structure search engine to Roche's existing relational database. {RS3 Discovery} treats chemical information just like any other piece of data, so Roche will be able to integrate it with its corporate data, such as results of high-throughput biological assays, or compound registration, in the same {Oracle framework. {RS3 Discovery} in combination with the {Chemical Screening and Analysis Package} (made by [MLR Automation]; handles lab functions such as plate management, scheduling, and data processing from plate readers) can manage data throughout the entire drug discovery process. OMG simultaneously announced a similar agreement with [Abbott]'s pharmaceutical discovery division.

[Genzyme Tissue Repair] and [Diacrin] form 50/50 joint venture

Sun, 01 Sep 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[Genzyme]'s [Tissue Repair Division] and [Diacrin] (developing porcine cells to treat humans) formed a 50/50 joint venture to develop two of Diacrin's products to treat neurological disorders. Genzyme will provide the first $10mm in funding; 75% of the next $40mm, and then the costs will be split 50/50.The joint venture will manufacture the products, and Genzyme will market them on a cost-reimbursement basis. The companies will share profits equally. The products, {NeuroCell PD}, a treatment for Parkinson's and {NeuroCell HD} (Huntington's) are in Phase I trials, and involve transplanting fetal porcine cells into human brains. Diacrin said its animal studies showed that the transplanted cells successfully integrated into the host's tissue and restored damaged neural circuitry.

[Roche] licenses neuronal cell technology from [Signal]

Sun, 01 Sep 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[Roche Bioscience] and [Signal Pharmaceuticals] entered into a three-year agreement under which Signal will use its neuronal cell line technology to develop targets for Roche in the areas of neuroscience, particularly pain and urinary tract disorders. Roche will provide research funding, make milestone payments, pay a license fee and royalties on sales in exchange for worldwide exclusive marketing and manufacturing rights to compounds emanating from the partnership.

[Astra] to market [Biogen]'s interferon beta-1a in Nordic states

Thu, 01 Aug 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[Astra] acquired exclusive rights to market, sell and distribute [Biogen]'s (genetic engineering) recombinant interferon beta-1a in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, for treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. This is Biogen's first commercial product, and is marketed as {Avonex} in the US (approved for marketing May '96). Biogen has filed for regulatory approval in Europe, Australia, Canada, Norway, New Zealand and Switzerland. Biogen will sell the drug itself in France, Germany, and Benelux countries. It recently signed an agreement with [Schering-Plough] to distribute interferon beta-1a in Spain when it is approved, and with [Dompe] in Italy and [CSL] in Australia and New Zealand.

[Inflazyme] licenses anti-cancer compounds to [SuperGen]

Thu, 01 Aug 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[Inflazyme Pharmaceuticals] (anti-inflammatories) has granted [SuperGen] (anti-cancer/blood cell disorder generics) exclusive worldwide rights to certain IZP drugs for anti-cancer and all other applications, except inflammation. SUPG will take an undisclosed equity position in IZP and pay milestones and royalties on net product sales. IZP retains rights for inflammatory therapeutics including treatments for asthma, allergies and arthritis. This discovery process, which involves combinatorial chemistry, molecular modelling, and structural synthesizing and screening techniques, has yielded small molecules which may be effective against cancers (lung, colon and skin cancer) as well as lymphomas and leukemias. Preclinical studies have shown efficacy against the above cancers as well as multi-drug resistant cancers. All of these cancer compounds have been licensed to SUPG.

[Pharmacia & Upjohn] licenses [Gilead]'s {Vistide} ex-US

Thu, 01 Aug 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[Pharmacia & Upjohn] has licensed the exclusive, worldwide rights outside the US to [Gilead Sciences]' {Vistide} (cidofovir injection), its FDA-approved treatment for CMV retinitis in AIDS patients for a potential $60mm in cash and equity purchases. P&U has paid (uf)$10mm in the form of a licensing payment and will pay a $50mm milestone to Gilead upon the European marketing approval of {Vistide}. The milestone will consist of $10mm in cash and $40mm in the purchase of Gilead preferred at 145% the price of Gilead common at the time of the milestone's achievement. P&U will buy {Vistide} from Gilead and pay royalties (estimated at 25-35%). {Vistide} is an IV treatment for cytomegalovirus infection in the retina of AIDS patients (afflicts 15-40%) and leads to blindness. Gilead began marketing the product in the US this year.

[Boehringer Mannheim Italia] licenses [CollaGenex]'s {Periostat}

Thu, 01 Aug 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[Boehringer Mannheim Italia SpA] (Italian [Corange] unit) has licensed [CollaGenex]'s {Periostat} treatment for periodontal disease exclusively in Italy. CollaGenex will receive a (uf)$400,000 licensing fee, milestone payments, and royalties on sales. BMI will manufacture the product and has also agreed to manufacture it for any additional European licensees CollaGenex may sign agreements with. BM will market the product with its existing line of dental products, which includes oral hygeine products, a dental antibiotic, and {Aulin} (nimesulide), the leading NSAID in Italy. CollaGenex has filed an NDA for {Periostat} in the US.

[Sequana] and [Sloan-Kettering] form cancer genetics JV [Genos]

Thu, 01 Aug 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[Sequana Therapeutics] (genomics) and the [Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center] formed a 50-50 joint venture named [Genos Biosciences Inc.] focused on applying genetics to the prognosis, diagnosis and treatment of prostate, breast, and colon cancer. Each party commits $5mm to the JV: $1mm each upon signing, $2mm when the business plan and budget are agreed upon, and another $2mm over the next two years. Rights and profits from the JV are equally shared. In combining SK's clinical expertise and 30-year library of tumor-tissue samples with Sequana's genomics capabilities, the JV seeks to link disease outcomes and drug response in cancer to specific somatic (non-hereditary) gene mutations. The agreement is for the exclusive commercial use of SK patient data in prostate, breast, and colon cancer, but excludes a genome region containing a prostate cancer-related tumor suppressor gene, which Sequana is developing with [Schering-Plough].

[BMS] licenses [Sano]'s transdermal buspirone for $40mm

Thu, 01 Aug 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[Bristol-Myers Squibb] has licensed the exclusive worldwide rights to [Sano Corp.]'s transdermal formulation of the serotonin partial agonist buspirone in exchange for up to $40mm in pre-commercialization payments. BMS will immediately pay Sano (uf)$15mm and initiate an accelerated development program on the product, which is currently in Phase III for the treatment of anxiety and depression. Sano could receive an additional $25mm in milestones, will receive sales royalties, and retains worldwide manufacturing rights. Total royalty and manufacturing fees will be in the

[Torrex] to market [Sequus]' [Amphotec] in Eastern Europe

Thu, 01 Aug 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[Sequus] (liposome company developing anti-cancer and anti-fungal drugs) licensed Vienna, Austria-based [Torrex Pharma] exclusive marketing rights to {Amphotec} in Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovenia. The agreement runs for three years, after which Sequus has an option to co-promote. Torrex (founded in 1994, specializes in distributing hospital products in Austria and Eastern Europe) expects to launch the product this year. {Amphotec} (colloidal dispersion amphotericin B) is approved in 14 countries, including Austria, Slovenia and the Czech Republic (NDA filed in US). The drug is indicated for treating severe systemic and deep mycoses, when conventional amphotericin B treatment can't be administered in effective doses due to toxicity or impaired renal function.

[Prodesfarma] to market [Sequus]' {Amphotec} antifungal

Thu, 01 Aug 1996 00:00:00 -0400

An exclusive five-year license gives [Prodesfarma] marketing rights in Spain, Belgium, and Luxembourg for [Sequus Pharmaceuticals]' {Amphotec} (amphotericin B colloidal dispersion) for treating progressive & potentially fatal systemic fungal infections. After the initial period, Sequus has the option to co-promote the drug. The deal is renewable every five years. The partners will collaborate on the regulatory process in Spain; {Amphotec} has been approved in 14 countries, and approvals are pending in Belgium and Luxembourg (also in the US). The lipid formulation is indicated for treating severe systemic or deep mycoses in patients who cannot use conventional amphotericin B because of toxicity problems or impaired renal function. The agreement enhances Prodesfarma's position in critical care. Number six of Spain's drug companies, Prodesfarma considers anti-infectives a key product line, along with its pharmaceuticals for pain/inflammation, cardiovascular disease, & cancer.

[AltaRex] licenses its {Ovarex} vaccine to Germany's [Medac]

Thu, 01 Aug 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[AltaRex] (cancer diagnostics and therapeutics) granted Western European marketing rights to its {Ovarex} vaccine to [Medac] (privately-held German company focused on cancer) in exchange for funding, clinical supervision and regulatory oversight. Medac will cover funding, clinical supervision and regulatory requirements within its territories and will eventually purchase {Ovarex} at agreed upon transfer prices. The companies commenced European Phase II/III clinical trials in January 1997.

[Abbott] to market [North American Vaccine]'s DTaP vaccine in US

Thu, 01 Aug 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[Abbott Laboratories] entered into a $42mm deal to market [North American Vaccine]'s diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough vaccine (DTaP) (approval pending) in the US. Abbott's $42mm investment consists of (uf)$13mm--$6.3mm in equity and a $6.7mm marketing fee and clinical development payment. The companies will collaborate in the clinical development of the combination vaccines with Abbott providing all the funding. NAVI's first milestone will be paid upon FDA approval of the DTaP vaccine. Abbott will market DTaP and the combination vaccines under development (for polio and haemophilus influenza) to physicians and managed care in the US. NAVI will market the vaccines to government purchasers, including the [Centers for Disease Control].

[Chiron]/[Organon] in combinatorial chemistry drug discovery deal

Thu, 01 Aug 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[Chiron] will apply its combinatorial chemistry technology in a drug discovery alliance with [Akzo Nobel]'s [Organon] (contraceptives, antidepressants, gynecological disorders) to identify and create new drug candidates for unspecified disease targets. The companies will combine each other's proprietary molecular diversity approaches to create compound libraries. Chiron gets an annual fee and funding for research. Both companies will retain product rights in certain clinical indications, and pay the other milestones and royalties on sales.

[C.R. Bard] to co-promote [Cytogen]'s cancer imaging agent

Thu, 01 Aug 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[C.R. Bard] has signed a 10-year agreement to co-promote [Cytogen]'s prostate cancer imaging agent, {ProstaScint}. Bard's Urological division will market {ProstaScint} to office and hospital based urologists, Cytogen will market it to the medical imaging community, and both will market to managed care organizations. {ProstaScint} is a monoclonal antibody labeled with indium 111 that attaches to an antigen expressed by cancerous prostate cells, enabling an image of the size and location of a cancerous tumor. It has been recommended for approval in prostate cancer patients with a high degree of suspicion of occult metastatic disease.

[ICN] and [Theratechnologies] work on growth hormone implant

Thu, 01 Aug 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[Theratechnologies] will develop a slow-release implant of [ICN Pharmaceuticals]' growth hormone releasing factor, GRF 1-44. ICN is conducting Phase III trials for its growth hormone releasing factors. Theratechnologies will conduct studies for ICN to assess the long term potency of the delivery system in an animal model, and ICN will have right of first refusal to license the delivery system for use with its molecule.

[Cytogen] has option on PSMA patent from [Sloan-Kettering]

Thu, 01 Aug 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[Cytogen] has six months to exercise its exclusive option to a patent claiming the nucleotide sequence encoding the prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) which issued to [Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center]. The sequence was determined by MSKCC's Drs. Ron Israeli, William Fair, and Warren Heston under a 1993 sponsored research and option agreement. PSMA is the antigen recognized by CYT-356, the prostate cancer monoclonal antibody conjugate used in Cytogen's prostate cancer imaging agent {ProstaScint}. New assays looking for mRNA encoding PSMA could be used to detect circulating cancer cells in the blood of patients. Cytogen believes that PSMA may be a more sensitive diagnostic marker than the standard prostate specific antigen (PSA) test, and seeks to sub-license commercial rights in diagnostics and vaccines.

[NexMed] & [University of Kansas] work on topical anti-viral

Thu, 01 Aug 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[NexMed] (drug delivery and medical devices) signed a one-year research agreement with the [University of Kansas] to develop a topical anti-viral pharmaceutical product. Dr. Howard Rytting of KU's Higuchi Biosciences center will collaborate with NexMed's Dr. Servet Buyuktimkin, a medicinal chemist with Higuchi through 7/97, in the area of topical delivery technologies for anti-viral drugs. NexMed, founded in 1987, was restructured in 10/95 and is also developing a device for the treatment of herpes.

[Endorex] licenses [MIT] liposomes for drug delivery

Thu, 01 Aug 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[Endorex] (immunotherapeutics for cancer and infectious disease; formerly ImmunoTherapeutics Inc.) licensed a technology for using polymerized liposomes for the oral delivery of vaccines and therapies from the [Massachusetts Institute of Technology]. A 90-day licensing option was assigned to Endorex in August, 1996 by Paramount Capital Investments, LLC, a major Endorex shareholder. Endorex has since formed a new majority-owned subsidiary, [Orasomal Technologies Inc.], to leverage and commercialize the new technology, developed by MIT's Dr. Robert S. Langer. Endorex has been working with intramuscular injections for its large molecule herpes and cytomegalovirus vaccines, but polymerized liposomes present a potentially preferable delivery method. The company's lead product, {ImmTher}, is a liposome encapsulated immunostimulant in Phase II trials for colorectal cancer.

[Jouvence] licenses [LSU] anti-aging gene

Thu, 01 Aug 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[Jouvence] (San Diego start-up studying genetic pathways involved in aging) licensed through tech transfer company [Research Corp. Technologies] exclusive rights to longevity-assurance gene LAG1, isolated at [Louisiana State Univ.]'s medical center. LSU professor S. Michal Jazwinski, PhD, now director of Jouvence's scientific board, sequenced LAG1 from baker's yeast two years ago and has demonstrated that its protein (LAG1p) brings about rejuvenation and increased life span. Using the LAG1 sequence as a probe, he found homologous RNA sequences in various human tissue types, including brain, kidney, and heart, and especially in skeletal muscle. Jouvence does genomic research in the four main models of aging--yeast, nematodes, fruit flies, and mice--and has its own gene discovery technology in addition to in-licensed genes. If LAG1p itself does not develop into a drug, knowledge of its function could still lead Jouvence to other candidates.

[Schering-Plough] to market [Biogen]'s MS drug in Spain

Thu, 01 Aug 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[Biogen] licensed to [Schering-Plough] exclusive marketing rights in Spain to its interferon beta-1a multiple sclerosis drug (known as {Avonex} in the US). {Avonex} received US approval in May, and Biogen is awaiting approval from the European Union and other authorities. It will market the drug itself in France, Germany, the UK and the Benelux countries and has licensed out rights elsewhere in Europe choosing [Astra] as its Scandinavian partner and [Dompe] in Italy.

[Avanced Therapies] in drug delivery deal with [Genetic Therapy]

Thu, 01 Aug 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[Advanced Therapies] (founded 1994, non-viral drug carrier technology) entered into its first major collaboration, potentially worth $12mm, with [Novartis]'s [Genetic Therapy] to develop gene therapy products in the areas of cancer and pulmonary disease. Advanced Therapies will apply its {Artificial Viral Envelope (AVE)} technology to the delivery and targeting of GTI's gene therapy programs. The two-year deal includes an upfront payment and $12mm in research support and milestone paymentsto Advanced Therapies. GTI gets exclusive worldwide marketing rights to any resulting products. {AVE}s are synthetic lipid-based carriers designed to carry therapeutic agents, and mimic the form and function of natural viral envelopes.

[BASF Bioresearch] to manufacture hGH for [Ares-Serono]

Thu, 01 Aug 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[BASF Bioresearch] (drug discovery and preclinical research in immunology and cancer) agreed to manufacture [Ares-Serono]'s mammalian cell-derived recombinant human growth hormone (hGH) for commercial production. Ares-Serono received FDA approval for hGH to treat children with growth hormone deficiency (it is already approved in 60 countries) and is also being used in the US, under a Treatment IND, for AIDS wasting. Ares-Serono expects that by the year 2000, 90% of its sales will be derived from biotechnology products.

[DiagnoCure] and [BioProCon] set up cancer vaccine joint venture

Thu, 01 Aug 1996 00:00:00 -0400

Canadian biotech [DiagnoCure] (cancer) and [BioProCon] (Netherlands-based biotech developing genito-urinary products), have formed a joint venture [UroVac] to develop prostate, renal and bladder cancer vaccines. DiagnoCure will own 51% of the JV, to which it will sublicense rights to vaccine applications of its M344 and 19A211 monoclonal antibodies. It will also contribute $516,000 ($Cdn700,000) in initial funding. BioProCon will own the remaining 49% and is sublicensing rights to two of its molecules--RCA25 and PCA3. DiagnoCure gets worldwide rights to all diagnostic products produced by UroVac, with the exception of Europe, where BioProCon gets rights of first refusal; DiagnoCure also gets rights of first refusal on all therapeutic products.

[Fujisawa] will market [Centocor]'s {ReoPro} in Japan; deal ends

Thu, 01 Aug 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[Fujisawa] will exclusively distribute [Centocor]'s {ReoPro} (anti-platelet antibody exclusively marketed in the rest of the world by [Eli Lilly]) in Japan. Lilly originally had held exclusive worldwide rights to {ReoPro} in the terms of its '92 deal; the companies recently renegotiated the agreement giving Centocor the right to find a Japanese partner. Fujisawa has made a (uf) $15mm payment upon signing of the deal. As in the Lilly deal, Fujisawa will buy quantities of {ReoPro} from Centocor for resale in its territory. {ReoPro} is currently marketed in the US for restenosis following angioplasty, though Centocor is pursuing additional indications including unstable angina and myocardial infarction.

[Boehringer Ingelheim] and [Ontogen] to co-develop technology

Thu, 01 Aug 1996 00:00:00 -0400

[Boehringer Ingelheim] could pay [Ontogen] (chemical synthesis and drug discovery to treat cancer, immunological and inflammatory diseases) up to $41.6mm in milestones and R&D funding in an agreement to develop new drug discovery technologies. BI receives exclusive rights to certain technologies developed in the collaboration and right of first negotiation on drug candidates from another program; Ontogen can use the technologies in its own drug discovery efforts. It has developed automated compound synthesis and purifying technologies, and says that currently, through its {OntoBlock} and {OntoCode} technologies, it can synthesize and purify thousands of compounds per week. Ontogen also has an alliance with the Japanese drug company [Kanebo].

[Glaxo Wellcome], [Vertex] sublicense [Searle]'s protease patents