Medivir AB announced that it has entered a license agreement with Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH for exclusive, global rights to a drug program for the treatment and prevention of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection.

 

“RSV is respiratory pathogen that can cause life-threatening infections, especially in children, the elderly and the immunocompromised. It is a major, underserved disease area today, with no effective treatment available” said Maris Hartmanis, Medivir’s CEO. “The in-licensing of this program illustrates Medivir’s strategic intent to enhance its R&D pipeline with high-value, commercial opportunities.”

 

The program includes novel compounds that inhibit the RSV fusion protein, which is a key mediator of viral entry into host cells and a target for new medicines. “We are very pleased to have secured this program from Boehringer Ingelheim and to have the opportunity to build upon the impressive research already conducted” said Richard Bethell, Medivir’s EVP, Discovery Research. “We can now look forward to advancing potential new drugs for the benefit of vulnerable patients.”

 

Under the terms of the agreement Medivir receives an exclusive, global license to research, develop, manufacture and commercialize RSV drugs resulting from Boehringer Ingelheim’s program. Boehringer Ingelheim receives an upfront payment and future success milestones as well as royalties on sales.

 

Date: August 4, 2014

Source: Medivir