Roche and Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc., through its wholly-owned UK subsidiary Proximagen Ltd., announced a worldwide agreement for the further development of a novel, oral small molecule inhibitor of Vascular Adhesion Protein 1 (VAP-1), a cell-adhesion molecule that may be effective in the treatment of inflammatory disease. The VAP-1 inhibitor is currently in Phase II clinical development.
Under the terms of the agreement, Roche is granted a worldwide exclusive license to develop and commercialize the compound. In a novel collaboration model, Proximagen and Roche 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.
"This agreement will allow our Companies to fully explore the significant and far-reaching potential of this novel VAP-1 inhibitor. Roche's deep expertise in drug development and proven success in commercialization will allow us to fully explore the unique attributes of this important molecule and the therapeutic benefits it may provide in the future," said William Pullman, MB, BS, BMedSc, PhD, FRACP, Chief Scientific Officer and Biotech Research Institute Division President, Upsher-Smith. "We are pleased to work with Roche on this compound as we share their commitment to patients."
"This agreement is a novel partnering model where regulatory responsibility and trial sponsorship will only transition upon the success of additional clinical studies," said Sophie Kornowski-Bonnet, PhD, Head of Roche Partnering. "A dedicated and very experienced team located at the Roche Innovation Center New York, will drive the development most efficiently from our side."
The transaction is subject to the expiration or early termination of the applicable U.S. Hart-Scott-Rodino waiting period.