Roche, Upsher Smith Laboratories Form Small-Molecule Drug Pact
Roche and Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc., through its wholly-owned UK subsidiary, Proximagen Ltd.,, have formed a worldwide agreement for the further development of an oral small-molecule inhibitor of vascular adhesion Ppotein 1 (VAP-1), a cell-adhesion molecule that may be effective in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. The VAP-1 inhibitor is currently in Phase II clinical development.
Under the agreement, Roche is granted a worldwide exclusive license to develop and commercialize the compound. Under the collaboration model, Roche and Proximagen will conduct additional Phase II studies to further define the therapeutic potential of the VAP-1 inhibitor. Based on these data Roche will assume responsibility for late-stage development and worldwide commercialization. Proximagen will receive an upfront payment, along with downstream development, regulatory, and sales milestones. In addition, Proximagen will also receive tiered royalties on net sales of a potential future product containing the molecule. The transaction is subject to the expiration or early termination of the applicable US Hart-Scott-Rodino waiting period.
Since 2012, Proximagen has been a wholly owned subsidiary of Upsher-Smith. With an integrated drug discover facility based in Cambridge, UK, Proximagen acts as Upsher-Smith's research and early development institute.
Source: Roche