Diatos has acquired rights to the compound in Kaposi’s sarcoma, a type of virus-induced cancer, as well as all other potential indications. Gilead will receive upfront and milestone payments of up to $4.7 million, based on regulatory approval of new indications, and royalties on net sales.
DaunoXome, liposomal formulation of daunorubicin, is already sold by Gilead in more than 20 countries for AIDS/HIV-related Kaposi’s sarcoma. The drug has also been evaluated in clinical studies for potential efficacy and safety in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and the company intends to seek approval for the drug in this indication from European regulators.
Kaposi’s sarcoma is a virus-induced cancer in which tumor cells, as well as abnormal growth of blood vessels, form solid lesions in connective tissue. The dominant form is AIDS/HIV-related and it represents approximately 80% of all forms of this cancer.
“We are very pleased to acquire DaunoXome and expand its therapeutic spectrum in acute leukemia, an area with high unmet medical needs,” Dr John Tchelingerian, president and CEO of Diatos.