Agreement gives Eclipse exclusive license to molecules that target cancer stem cells.
Dyax has granted Eclipse Therapeutics an exclusive, worldwide license to preclinical oncology candidates. The deal covers development and commercialization of compounds that target cancer stem cells. In exchange, Dyax will receive an initial license fee, payments upon the achievement of clinical development and sales milestones, and royalties on worldwide net sales resulting from commercialized products.
“This agreement further underscores the significant long-term potential of our robust licensing and funded research program, which continues to be a key driver of near- and long-term value creation for Dyax with 18 therapeutic candidates currently in the clinic, including four in Phase III and four in Phase II,” states Gustav A. Christensen, president and CEO of Dyax. The company also has one product on the market. Ecallantide, approved under the brand name Kalbitor in the U.S., is indicated for the treatment of acute attacks of hereditary angioedema in patients 16 years of age and older.
Peter Chu, Ph.D., president and co-founder of Eclipse, remarks, “This agreement provides Eclipse with multiple high-value antibody candidates targeting cancer stem cells developed using Eclipse’s unique CSC Rx Discovery™ platform and Dyax’ proven phage display technology. Our oncology pipeline focuses on identifying functional therapeutics that specifically inhibit CSC targets critical to the maintenance of cancer stem cells at the root of cancer.”