Janssen Pharmaceuticals enters into worldwide Hepatitis C collaboration with Achillion
Deal could potentially be worth US$1.1bn to Achillion
Johnson & Johnson company Janssen Pharmaceuticals is to work with US biotech Achillion Pharmaceuticals to develop Achillion's hepatitis C virus (HCV) assets after signing a worldwide licensing agreement.
The aim is to develop a short-duration, highly effective pan-genotypic, oral regimen for the treatment of HCV, the companies said.
They will initially develop Achillion's ACH-3102, an NS5A inhibitor currently in Phase II clinical trials and with Fast Track designation from the US Food and Drug Administration, in combination with an NS3/4A HCV protease inhibitor plus an NS5B HCV polymerase inhibitor.
Under the terms of the agreement, Achillion will grant Janssen an exclusive, worldwide licence to develop and, following regulatory approval, commercialise HCV products and regimens containing one or more of Achillion's licensed HCV assets.
Johnson & Johnson Innovation will make a US$225m equity investment in Achillion and in return receive approximately 18.4 million shares in the company. Ultimately, the total value of the deal could reach $1.1bn, including the equity investment plus potential development, regulatory and sales milestone payments.
Lawrence Blatt, Global Therapeutic Area Head, Janssen Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, said the collaboration with Achillion offers the potential 'to develop a new, simplified treatment option for those affected by hepatitis C'.
