The deal sees the Johnson & Johnson unit gain rights to the drug in all terrortories outside of North America, where MGI will retain the rights.
Dacogen is a treatment for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), which occur when there is a defect in the blood-forming stem cells, resulting in too few and poorly functioning blood cells.
Total payments from Cilag to MGI Pharma as part of the license agreement, including an upfront payment, potential milestone payments, and R&D support, may exceed $80 million.
“Janssen-Cilag companies have significant commercial, regulatory and development expertise, particularly in oncology,” said Lonnie Moulder, president and CEO of MGI Pharma. “This development and commercialization partnership will help us maximize the commercial potential of Dacogen and bring it to clinicians and patients around the world.”