Biogen Idec and Belgium-based UCB have signed a pact to develop UCB's CDP323, a small molecule alpha4-integrin inhibitor being developed as a treatment for multiple sclerosis. CDP323 will enter Phase II testing next year and the companies will share the cost of Phase II and III trials. UCB will receive $200 million in up-front and milestone payments and the companies will split profits from the drug. The pact also covers the development of CDP323 for other indications.
"Our outstanding Phase I results encourage us to move rapidly into Phase II trials in MS patients. We believe that if trials are successful CDP323 could make a real difference for MS patients with this severe and debilitating disease," stated Melanie Lee, executive vice president, research and development for UCB.
- see this release for more on the deal
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