Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major threat to the very young, the elderly and the immuno-compromised and with no other effective treatment available represents a major unmet medical need.
Currently, the only widely used intervention is MedImmune’s monoclonal antibody, Synagis, which is used to prevent infection in high-risk infants. Although this antibody is only used in a small percentage of babies and although it is only effective when given prior to infection (unlike a treatment therapy) it has reached sales of blockbuster proportions.
Under the terms of the agreement Novartis will undertake most of the further development and all commercialization activity for the compound, which is currently undergoing phase II clinical trials. All future work on the project will be funded by Novartis.
Arrow will receive an upfront payment of $10 million in addition to milestone payments of up to $217 million for success in the ongoing and future development and commercialization of the product, and royalties on product sales appropriate for a compound in phase IIa trials. Rights to back up compounds to A60444 are included in the deal, plus a right of first negotiation on follow-up compounds with different chemistry, currently under development by Arrow.