Biotech/Pharma Business Briefs

    By Jason Derry --

Peptimmune and Novartis Sign $500 Million Deal

Peptimmune Inc. and Novartis AG recently announced a licensing deal for Peptimmune's multiple sclerosis drug candidate, PI-2301.  The deal gives Novartis an exclusive license to the drug candidate.  Novartis will assume all responsibilities relative to clinical development, manufacturing, and marketing of PI-2301.  The deal could be worth up to $500 million for Peptimmune if certain milestones are met.  In addition, Peptimmune will be entitled to royalties on drug sales.

BMS to License HCV Therapy from Zymogenetics

Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) and ZymoGenetics recently announced a licensing deal for ZymoGenetics' hepatitis C therapy PEG-interferon lambda.  BMS will pay ZymoGenetics $85 million upfront and a license fee of $20 million for 2009.  ZymoGenetics will also be entitled to further payments based on certain milestones events.  In all, the deal could be worth up to $1.1 billion for ZymoGenetics.

Merck to License MS Drug

Merck KGaA recently announced that it has entered a licensing agreement with Apitope, a British biotech company, to license Apitope's multiple sclerosis drug, ATX-MS-1467.  Merck has reported that it will pay Apitope up to $204.8 million in upfront payments and possible milestone payments.  Apitope will also be entitled to royalties.  Apitope's press release regarding the agreement can be viewed here.

Jason Derry, Ph.D., who graduated with honors from DePaul University College of Law, is a molecular biologist and founding author of Patent Docs.

Comments

[Pacific Reporter]

I'm surprised you didn't at least mention the Pfizer/Wyeth rumors. It's not a deal yet, but it's newsworthy. Or is that beyond the scope of this series?

[Donald Zuhn]

Pacific Reporter:

We are just starting to get our feet wet with the new series, and for now, want to focus on completed deals. Thanks for the comment.

Don