Aratana, which is rapidly establishing itself as a leader in pet therapeutics, has obtained global rights to Advaxis’ ADXS-cHER2 for the treatment of osteosarcoma in dogs and three additional immunotherapy products for the treatment of three undisclosed types of cancer.
Aratana made a $1 million upfront payment to Advaxis and a $1.5 million equity investment in the company’s common stock and warrants, as part of the collaboration. Aratana agreed to pay up to an additional $6 million in clinical and regulatory milestones for each of the four products, assuming approval is granted in both cats and dogs in the U.S. and European Union.
Additionally, Aratana agreed to pay up to $28.5 million in commercial milestones. Upon regulatory approval and commercialization of the immunotherapies, the firm agreed to pay Advaxis a tiered royalty ranging from mid-single digit to 10% on net sales.
Advaxis is currently evaluating ADXS-cHER2 in preclinical studies for the treatment of HER2 over-expressing human cancers, including breast cancer.
In the last year, Aratana has invested heavily in expanding its pet therapeutics focus. In January, Aratana acquired Belgium-based pet antiviral drug firm Okapi Sciences. In October 2013, the company acquired Vet Therapeutics for $30 million.