Novartis licenses Hepatitis C drug

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Feb. 9, 2010, 1:26 a.m. EST · Recommend · Post:
Novartis licenses Hepatitis C drug
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LONDON (MarketWatch) -- Novartis /quotes/comstock/13*!nvs/quotes/nls/nvs (NVS 53.56, -0.77, -1.42%) /quotes/comstock/06p!novn (CH:NOVN 58.05, -0.30, -0.51%) said it has licensed Debio 025, or alisporivir, a potential first-in-class antiviral agent currently in Phase IIb development for the treatment of hepatitis C. Debio 025 is the first in a new class of drugs called cyclophilin inhibitors which could become part of the future standard of care for the disease. It's been licensed from Debiopharm Group, an independent biopharmaceuticals company based in Switzerland, under an agreement which gives Novartis exclusive worldwide development and marketing rights outside of Japan. Under the terms of the agreement, Novartis will make an upfront payment to Debiopharm, and Debiopharm will be eligible for milestone payments, and for royalties on future sales of Debio 025, if it is approved.