Halozyme Therapeutics, a San Diego, California-headquartered biopharmaceutical company, has partnered with Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) and Roche respectively in two drug-delivery pacts.

In the first deal, Halozyme has partnered with BMS to develop subcutaneously administered BMS immuno-oncology medicines using Halozyme’s Enhanze drug-delivery technology. In a separate move, Halozyme has also licensed its Enhanze drug-delivery technology to Roche for exclusive development of an undisclosed therapeutic target.

The Halozyme Enhanze technology is based on a proprietary recombinant human hyaluronidase enzyme (rHuPH20) that temporarily degrades hyaluronan — a glycosaminoglycan or chain of natural sugars in the body — to aid in the dispersion and absorption of other injected therapeutic drugs. Halozyme says this technology may allow for more rapid delivery of large-volume injectable medications, such as medications that are currently delivered intravenously, through subcutaneous delivery.

Under the agreement with BMS, Halozyme will receive an initial $105 million for access to the Enhanze technology. BMS has designated multiple immuno-oncology targets, including programmed death 1, and has an option to select additional targets within five years. The collaboration may extend to a maximum of 11 targets. Halozyme has the potential to earn milestone payments of up to $160 million for each of the nominated collaboration targets and additional milestone payments for combination products, subject to achievement of specified development, regulatory, and sales-based milestones. In addition, BMS will pay Halozyme royalties on sales of products using the Enhanze technology developed under the collaboration. The agreement is subject to customary anti-trust clearance by the US Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission pursuant to the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act.

Under the agreement with Roche, Halozyme will receive an initial $30 million with the potential to earn additional payments of up to $160 million, subject to achievement of specified development, regulatory, and sales-based milestones. Halozyme will also receive tiered, mid-single digit royalties on sales of commercialized products.

Source: Halozyme (Bristol-Myers Squibb), Halozyme (Roche), and Bristol-Myers Squibb