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news.Schering AG has acquired Celera Genomics' cathepsin S inhibitor small molecule drug program for the treatment of autoimmune diseases for a potential $360 million if all milestones are met.
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The deal includes an upfront cash payment of $5 million, but Cellera will only receive the $360 million if the program meets all developmental and commercial milestone events and results in drugs that are approved and commercialized in key geographical markets.
In addition, Celera will be entitled to percentage royalty payments up to the low double digits based on annual sales of any drugs commercialized from the program.
Celera's cathepsin S inhibitor, CRA-028129, entered a phase I trial in September 2005 in a single center study being conducted at the Christchurch Clinical Studies Trust (CSST) in Christchurch, New Zealand.
“Multiple sclerosis will be the first indication we will target with this program focusing on our continuing commitment to develop innovative treatments for MS. This will add to our existing phase III program exploring high dose interferon beta-1b and our phase II program for alemtuzumab in MS,” said Dr Darlene Jody, head of specialized therapeutics global business unit at Schering Group.