Ophthotech, Novartis, Roche deal
Roche’s Genentech Inc. unit exercised its option to share with Novartis ex-U.S. rights to Fovista pegpleranib from Ophthotech. Novartis has ex-U.S rights to develop and commercialize the wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) candidate under a 2014 deal with Ophthotech, which retains exclusive U.S. rights to the pegylated aptamer against platelet derived growth factor B ( PDGFB; PDGF2). Novartis and Ophthotech lead Fovista’s ex-U.S. development program. Genentech will make undisclosed payments to Novartis, including potential milestones. Genentech is eligible for royalties on ex-U.S. sales of Fovista. The partners did not disclose specific financial terms. Genentech said that it “will have no decision-making power and no operational involvement” in Fovista’s development and commercialization. ...