Halozyme Therapeutics Inc. has entered into a worldwide collaboration and license agreement with Janssen Biotech, Inc. for the purpose of developing and commercializing products combining proprietary Janssen compounds with Halozyme’s Enhanze technology, a technology based on a proprietary recombinant human hyaluronidase enzyme (rHuPH20) that temporarily modifies hyaluronan, a component of the extracellular matrix, to aid in the dispersion and absorption of other injected therapeutic drugs.

Under the terms of the agreement, Halozyme has granted to Janssen a worldwide license to develop and commercialize products for up to five targets combining rHuPH20 with Janssen’s proprietary compounds. Halozyme will receive an initial payment of $15 million, and is eligible to receive additional payments upon Janssen’s achievement of specified development, regulatory and sales-based milestones, totaling up to $566 million. Halozyme is also entitled to royalty payments based on net sales of products using the Enhanze technology. Under the collaboration, Janssen will also obtain access to Halozyme’s expertise in developing and applying rHuPH20 to Janssen targets and will obtain a worldwide, exclusive license to develop and commercialize product combinations of rHuPH20 and Janssen target compounds resulting from the collaboration.

Enhanze is Halozyme’s proprietary drug-delivery platform based on the company’s patented recombinant human hyaluronidase enzyme (rHuPH20). rHuPH20 has been shown to remove traditional limitations on the volume of biologics that can be delivered subcutaneously. By using rHuPH20, some biologics and compounds that are administered intravenously may instead be delivered subcutaneously. The technology may also benefit subcutaneous biologics by reducing the need for multiple injections or reducing the time required for administration and shortening the time for drug administration.

Source: Halozyme Therapeutics