[ Industry Watch ]
INDIA
GlaxoSmithKline and Santaris
to Develop Antiviral Drugs
G
laxoSmithKline and Santaris Pharma have entered into a worldwide
strategic alliance, which could be worth over US$700 million, for
the development and commercialization of novel medicines against
viral diseases.
Under the terms of the agreement, Santaris Pharma will grant GSK
options to drug candidates discovered and developed under the collaboration
in up to four different viral disease programs. The collaboration provides GSK
access to patented RNA antagonist compounds, based on Santaris Pharma’s
unique locked nucleic acid technology, for the development as potential new
therapies for selected viral diseases.
Santaris Pharma will receive an upfront fee for the first antiviral
program of US$3 million and GSK will make an equity investment of US$5
million in Santaris Pharma. If candidate drugs from the first viral target
program are successful and reach the market, GSK could make additional
milestone payments to Santaris Pharma of up to US$140 million for this
first program.
Similar upfront payments and milestones are payable by GSK to Santaris
Pharma in respect of each of the further three antiviral programs if GSK
elects to initiate these additional programs in the collaboration. In addition,
if GSK exercises its option to further develop and commercialize SPC3649,
it will make a further up front payment of US$5 million and additional
milestones of up to US$122 million if the drug obtains regulatory approvals
in Europe and the US.
Overall, under the collaboration Santaris Pharma could be eligible to
receive in excess of US$700 million in upfront fees and development and
regulatory milestones payments. If a product is successfully commercialized,
Santaris Pharma will receive high single to double-digit royalties on
worldwide sales of alliance products.
About Santaris
Santaris Pharma is building an
international biopharmaceutical
business for the 21st century,
focusing on the exciting new field
of RNA medicines. Their unique
RNA antagonist, based on the RNA
analogue, locked nucleic acid, has
transformed the field of antisense
drugs, making safe and effective gene
silencing an achievable goal in human
medicine. The company’s pipeline
of novel drugs in development
is focused on improving patient
out-come in cancer and metabolic
disorders. ■
About GSK
Contact Details:
GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals
Limited
Address:Dr Annie Besant Road
Worli, Mumbai 400 025
India
Tel:
+91 22 2495 9595
Fax:
+91 22 2495 9494
URL:
www.gsk.com
GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Limited is India’s leading research-based
company committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling
people to do more, feel better and live longer. The company has a formidable
presence in the domestic pharmaceuticals market with a market share of
above 5.9%. GSK India markets a wide range of ethical formulations and
is the leader in therapeutic areas of respiratory, dermatology and vaccines,
besides having a significant presence in areas of gastroenterology, dietary
supplements, gynecology, neurology, cardiovascular and intensive care.
GSK is also the undisputed leader in the animal health and fine chemicals
businesses.
Contact Details:
Santaris Pharma
Address:Bøge Allé 3-5
DK-2970 Hørsholm
Tel:
+45 45179800
Fax:
+45 45179887
URL:
www.santaris.com
34 ■ Volume 12 > Number 2 > 2008
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