Allergan extends relationship with ExonHit

Allergan extends relationship with ExonHit

Allergan has extended its strategic collaboration with ExonHit for the development and commercialization of drugs targeted at the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, pain and ophthalmology.

The collaboration is extended until December 2009 and there is to be an increase in milestone and royalty payments on the sale of collaborative drugs and a further increase in research and development payments.

Zeiss buys Spanish partner

Carl Zeiss Meditec has acquired its former Spanish distribution partner, Carl Zeiss S.A.

The company was previously the distribution partner for Carl Zeiss' systems and devices in Spain. All related assets and liabilities, primarily the working capital, were transferred at net book value as of 1st October 2006. Additionally, Carl Zeiss Meditec has bought the company's customer base for around €600,000.

Pfizer going down the genetic route

Pfizer has entered into an agreement with Quark Biotech allowing it to acquire an exclusive worldwide license to Quark's novel human gene RTP-801 and to all molecules that modify its expression or function.

RTP-801 is connected to the development of pathologic blood vessels which accelerate the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Preclinical studies have shown that AMD can be treated by blocking the expression of the RTP-801 gene through RNA interference (RNAi).

The agreement is subject to clearance by the United States Federal Trade Commission.

Alcon expands pipeline

NovaCal Pharmaceuticals has licensed its anti-infective compounds for eye, ear and sinus infections to Alcon.

The collaboration and license agreement allows Alcon to research, develop and commercialize NovaCal's Aganocide compounds which treat infection including those associated with persistent bacterial biofilms.

Under the terms of the agreement, Alcon will make an upfront payment as well as ongoing payments associated with the achievement of development milestones and approval of products incorporating the novel compound. In addition, Alcon will provide research funding to NovaCal for four years as part of a collaborative research programme. Alcon will be responsible for all clinical costs and NovaCal will receive royalties from the sale of Aganocide products.

NovaCal retains all rights to Aganocide compounds and future compounds that result from collaborative research.

B&L snaps up SEGRAs

Bausch & Lomb has obtained an exclusive worldwide license from Schering to develop and market a selective glucocorticoid receptor agonist (SEGRA) for the non-systemic treatment of eye disorders.

Under the terms of the agreement, Bausch & Lomb will make upfront and milestone payments based on the development and registration progress in addition to paying royalties on product sales.

It is thought that SEGRAs, using a molecular mechanism after binding to a glucocorticoid receptor, may demonstrate a superior effect/side effect profile compared with standard glucocorticoids.

The project is currently in the preclinical stage of evaluation.

Zeiss transaction finally cleared after delay by shareholder mutiny

Carl Zeiss Meditec's acquisition of Carl Zeiss Surgical has finally been given the nod of approval having won against complaints filed by a number of its shareholders this year.

The decision of the Higher Regional Court in Jena, Germany dismissed the objections filed by the seven complainants against an original ruling of the Gera District Court on the proposed takeover of Carl Zeiss Surgical.

The Higher Regional Court decision has now ruled that no further right of appeal exists and has made this decision final and absolute. As a result, the transaction is to be carried out as soon as possible.