News© Institutional Communication, 09/28/09

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Biotecnol, Digna Biotech and Genentech enter into an Exclusive License and Option Agreement, for treatment of life-threatening liver diseases

The Spanish company Digna Biotech and the Portuguese company Biotecnol formed an agreement with the American company Genetech for the development and commercialization of Cardiotrophin-1

Cardiotrophin-1
Photo: Manuel Castells

Biotecnol and Digna Biotech announced today that they have entered into an Exclusive License and Option Agreement with Genentech, Inc. a wholly-owned member of the Roche Group, for developing and commercializing Cardiotrophin-1 for potential use in certain liver indications.

Under the terms of the agreement, Genentech grants to Biotecnol and Digna (the Consortium) exclusive rights, under Cardiotrophin-1 patents Genentech owns and controls, to develop and commercialize Cardiotrophin-1 Proteins for potential use in certain liver indications.

In exchange, the Consortium grants to Genentech an exclusive option to obtain exclusive rights under the Consortium’s patents and know-how, to develop and commercialize Cardiotrophin-1 Proteins for potential use in certain liver indications. Genentech will receive an undisclosed upfront payment from the Consortium. If Genentech exercises its option, the Consortium will receive from Genentech reimbursement of development costs, agreed milestone payments and royalties on sales.

“The joint efforts of many players, starting from the discovery for a new use of CT-1 in liver diseases at the CIMA (University of Navarra Research Centre), followed by a strong commitment of public (CDTI-Navarra Government) and private investors (Suanfarma Biotech y Clave Mayor), but above all, the synergies of two highly committed companies such as Digna and Biotecnol, has allowed us to generated a unique opportunity to develop CT-1 for treating patients with life threatening liver diseases.” said Pablo Ortiz, general manager of Digna Biotech.

“Biotecnol and Digna Biotech, have successfully managed to set-up a first class example of cutting edge translational research, with a clear aim of taking valuable products to the clinic in the area of liver diseases,” said Pedro de Noronha Pissarra, Chief Executive Officer of Biotecnol. “We are pleased to have entered into such a deal with Genentech, a pioneer in the Biotech industry.” he added.