Biovitrum and Santhera sign an exclusive license and collaboration agreement for the development of DPP-IV inhibitors

19-Aug-2005

Biovitrum AB, Sweden, and Swiss-based Santhera Pharmaceuticals AG have signed a license and collaboration agreement that grants Biovitrum the exclusive worldwide rights to Santhera's DPP-IV inhibitor program to select and develop compounds and sell future drugs for a range of metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Under the terms of the agreement, Santhera will receive an upfront payment of Euro 4 million. In addition, this Biotech to Biotech deal allows both parties to receive a significant part of the commercial value of the overall project. Biovitrum and Santhera will share revenues according to a fixed percentage split of future revenues which could include milestones and royalties from sub-licensees. This means Santhera could receive milestone payments which exceed Euro 50 million per marketed product before royalties.

The DPP-IV inhibitor program comprises several distinct chemical series which are protected by a very solid and diverse IP estate. The compounds' excellent selectivity towards DPP-IV related enzymes, non-covalent binding mode, and attractive pharmacokinetic data results in an overall profile which is highly competitive as compared to other published DPP-IV inhibitors. It is anticipated that the first candidate drug from the DPP-IV program will be selected in Autumn 2005 with Phase I studies starting in 2006.

DPP-IV inhibitors represent one of the most promising new diabetes treatments. They act through enhancing glucose sensitive insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity and, compared to existing treatments, are expected to offer a superior side effect profile in terms of greatly reduced risk of hypoglycemia, weight gain, fluid retention and nausea. DPP-IV inhibitors also offer the convenience of oral dosing. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form, accounting for approximately 90% of all diabetes and affecting some 17 million people in the US alone.

https://www.bionity.com/en/news/48387/biovitrum-and-santhera-sign-an-exclusive-license-and-collaboration-agreement-for-the-development-of-dpp-iv-inhibitors.html