Singapore, Sep 3, 2010: Swiss company, Santhera Pharmaceuticals and France's Ipsen have announced a license agreement for the development and commercialization of fipamezole (antagonist of the adrenergic alpha-2 receptor) for territories outside of North America and Japan. This first-in-class compound is currently under investigation for the treatment of levodopa-induced dyskinesia in Parkinson’s disease. Initiation of a first phase III study by Biovail is scheduled for 2011. The agreement stipulates data sharing, under which Ipsen has the right to use these data for its own purposes.

Mr Klaus Schollmeier, Chief Executive Officer of Santhera, said, “We are pleased to be partnering with Ipsen to advance the potential of fipamezole as a possible first treatment for Dyskinesia in Parkinson’s Disease. Dyskinesia is a condition that is functionally disabling to patients and limits effective treatment of the underlying Parkinson’s Disease. Ipsen complements perfectly our North American partnership with Biovail. Today’s agreement is another strong endorsement for fipamezole and proves that our out-licensing strategy for this innovative drug candidate is working well for the benefit of all parties.”

Ms Stéphane Thiroloix, Ipsen’s executive vice-president, Corporate Development said, “L-dopa induced dyskinesia is a serious unmet medical need, and we look forward to providing patients with a positive transformation in the management of their condition. This agreement with Santhera will further enrich Ipsen’s pipeline with a new promising first-in-class compound thus complementing our fast-growing neurology franchise, in clear medical and operational synergy with our existing portfolio. We have been impressed with the scientific and development capabilities of both Santhera and Biovail. Ipsen will benefit from the Biovail development and collaborate fully to achieve regulatory filings excluding North America planned for 2015.”

Under the agreement, Ipsen acquires the rights to fipamezole outside the United States, Canada and Japan for an upfront payment of $16.69 million (EUR 13 million) and additional payments contingent to future development, regulatory and sales milestones of up to $164.38 million (EUR 128 million). In addition, Santhera is entitled to royalty payments on Ipsen’s future net sales.

In a similar transaction in August 2009, Santhera granted Biovail (Canada’s largest specialty pharma company) the development and commercial rights to fipamezole in the United States and Canada. The first phase III study is scheduled for 2011 in the treatment of levodopa induced dyskinesia. Santhera has the right to use and sublicense data generated by Biovail for development and commercialization purposes outside of the United States and Canada. This agreement stipulates that Ipsen has acquired the right to use these data for its own development and commercialization purposes outside the United States, Canada and Japan, whereas the Japanese rights for fipamezole remain with Santhera.