Medivir, a Stockholm-based pharmaceutical company, has entered into a license agreement with Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH for exclusive, global rights to a drug program for the treatment and prevention of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, which is the main viral cause of respiratory tract infection in infants, the elderly, and the severely immunocompromised

The program includes novel compounds that inhibit the RSV fusion protein, which is a key mediator of viral entry into host cells and a target for new medicines. Under the terms of the agreement Medivir receives an exclusive, global license to research, develop, manufacture, and commercialize RSV drugs resulting from Boehringer Ingelheim's program. Boehringer Ingelheim receives an upfront payment and future success milestones as well as royalties on sales.

Medivir’s current research and development is focused on infectious diseases, bone-related disorders, neuropathic pain, and oncology. The company's key product is Olysio, a protease inhibitor for the treatment of hepatitis C that is being developed in collaboration with Janssen R&D Ireland. Janssen is responsible for the global clinical development of Olysio and has exclusive, worldwide marketing rights, except in the Nordic countries. Medivir AB retains marketing rights for Olysio in these countries under the marketing authorization held by Janssen-Cilag International NV. Olysio was approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C infection as part of an antiviral treatment regimen in combination with pegylated interferon and ribavirin in genotype 1 infected adults with compensated liver disease, including cirrhosis in September 2013 in Japan, in November 2013 in Canada and the US, and in March 2014 in Russia. Pending approval by the European Medicines Agency, it is anticipated that Olysio will be available across a number of European Union countries in conjunction with reimbursement, in the second half of 2014.

Source: Medivir