Pharmaceutical Business review

Infinity reacquires rights to cancer drug program

Infinity’s heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) program comprises IPI-504 (retaspimycin hydrochloride for injection) and oral IPI-493. IPI-504 is in several clinical trials, including an international Phase III registration trial for patients with refractory gastrointestinal stromal tumors (the RING trial), positioning it as the potential first-to-market Hsp90 inhibitor. Oral IPI-493 is currently in a Phase I study in patients with advanced solid tumors.

AstraZeneca will fund an amount equivalent to its share of Hsp90 program costs for the ensuing six-month period. Additionally, Infinity has a single-digit royalty obligation to AstraZeneca on any net sales of IPI-504 and IPI-493.

Steven Holtzman, chairman and CEO of Infinity, said: “By regaining full control over IPI-504 and IPI-493, we believe we will maximize the medical and commercial potential of our Hsp90 program. With our current financial strength and the quality of our pipeline, we consider ourselves ideally positioned to bring important drugs to patients and value to shareholders.”