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news.Human Genome Sciences and Aegera Therapeutics have signed an agreement under which HGS has acquired exclusive worldwide rights, excluding Japan, to develop and commercialize AEG40826 and related backup compounds to be chosen during a three-year research collaboration.
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Under the agreement, HGS has paid Aegera an upfront license fee of $15 million and has made an equity investment of C$5 million. Aegera will be entitled to receive up to $295 million in future development and commercial milestone payments, including a $5 million milestone payment upon FDA clearance of an IND. Aegera will receive double-digit royalties on net sales in the HGS territory.
In North America, Aegera will have the option to co- promote, under which it will share certain expenses and profits (30%) in lieu of its royalties. Aegera retains the non-oncology rights to its IAP inhibitors that are not selected for development under this agreement.
Preclinical studies of AEG40826 in combination with the HGS Trail receptor antibodies have demonstrated dramatic synergistic activity against a number of cancer types, including prostate, breast, esophageal, colorectal and non-small cell lung cancer. Preclinical studies also show that AEG40826 has significant anti-tumor activity alone and in combination with other anti-cancer agents in a broad range of cancers.
AEG40826 is a potent small-molecule inhibitor of multiple IAP (inhibitor of apoptosis) protein family members that is expected to begin oncology clinical trials in early 2008.
Thomas Watkins, president and CEO of HGS, said: “We look forward to developing our Trail receptor antibodies and IAP inhibitors in combination with one another and in combination with other therapeutic agents. We believe this agreement substantially enhances the value of our promising oncology franchise.”