Auven Therapeutics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai deal
Mount Sinai granted private equity firm Auven Therapeutics (formerly Celtic Therapeutics) exclusive, worldwide rights to develop and commercialize Kiacta eprodisate to treat chronic sarcoidosis. Auven plans to begin a Phase II trial in 4Q14 for the indication. Auven said Mount Sinai will receive undisclosed upfront payments and will be eligible for undisclosed milestones and royalties. Mount Sinai declined to disclose financial details.
Auven said it already has exclusive, worldwide rights from Bellus Health Inc. (TSX:BLU, Laval, Quebec) to the small molecule inhibitor of amyloid fiber formation for "any use with certain narrow exceptions" under a 2010 deal. Bellus said Mount Sinai approached Auven and Bellus to conduct preclinical testing of Kiacta in models of sarcoidosis, which resulted in new joint IP. Kiacta is in Phase III testing to treat amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis, for which it has Orphan Drug designation in the U.S., EU, Japan and Switzerland. Auven expects to complete the trial "within two years" (see BioCentury, May 3, 2010). ...