The agreement includes InterMune's lead compound ITMN-191, which is expected to enter clinical trials before the end of the year. The companies will also collaborate on a research program of novel second-generation hepatitis C protease inhibitors.
“We believe this partnership will help accelerate the development of ITMN-191 and future second-generation protease inhibitors,” said Dan Welch, CEO of InterMune.
Roche will exclusively license ITMN-191 and will have the right to exclusively license further hepatitis C protease inhibitor development candidates resulting from the research collaboration.
InterMune will conduct phase I studies of ITMN-191, and thereafter Roche will lead clinical development and commercialization. Upon closing, InterMune will receive from Roche an upfront payment of $60 million. InterMune could potentially receive up to $470 million in milestones as a result of the deal. The companies will co-commercialize the product in the US.
The economic terms for ITMN-191 could also apply to additional compounds that InterMune and Roche develop.
The transaction will close following the expiration or early termination of an antitrust regulatory waiting period.