So far, WILEX has completed many clinical studies with Mesupron in different indications, including two Phase II proof of concept trials for pancreatic cancer and metastatic breast cancer.
As part of the deal, RedHill acquired the exclusive development and commercialization rights to Mesupron, excluding China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macao, for all indications.
In return, RedHill will pay WILEX an upfront payment of $1m and potential tiered royalties on net revenues, ranging from mid-teens up to 30% as well as the company will be responsible for all development, regulatory and commercialization of Mesupron.
Mesupron inhibits the uPA system, which has been shown to play a major role in tumor cell growth, invasion and the metastasis process.
High uPA levels are related with poor prognosis in several solid tumor cancers, including pancreatic, gastric, breast and prostate cancers.
RedHill CEO Dror Ben-Asher said the acquisition of Mesupron reflects the company’s commitment to patients suffering from gastrointestinal and inflammatory diseases, including related cancers such as pancreatic cancer, gastric cancer and colorectal cancer.
"It adds to RedHill’s pipeline of six late clinical-stage drug candidates and fits well with our risk-mitigating business model.
"Mesupron is a unique non-cytotoxic approach targeting oncology indications where there is a very strong demand for better therapeutic options.
"Thanks to the development work conducted by WILEX, Mesupron is supported by extensive pre-clinical and clinical data, and we believe in its potential to become an important treatment option for cancer patients."
Mesupron has completed several Phase I trials and two Phase II proof of concept trials.
The first Phase II trial in locally advanced non-metastatic pancreatic cancer and the second trial in metastatic breast cancer, established the drug’s safety and tolerability profile.
The Phase II trials with Mesupron in both indications suggested activity as measured by both tumor response rate and overall survival of patients when administered in combination with first-line chemotherapeutic agents.