Amylin, Curis, J&J deal

CRIS licensed to AMLN patent applications covering the use of PYY, a peptide made in the gut, to treat metabolic diseases including obesity and diabetes. AMLN is responsible for further development and clinical testing. CRIS said it could receive more than $15 million in upfront licensing fees and regulatory approval-based milestones, in addition to royalties. CRIS retains rights to patent applications covering the use of PYY to transform stem cells into insulin-producing and other specialized cells.

Separately, CRIS granted JNJ’s Ortho Biotech Products L.P. subsidiary rights to its bone morphogenic protein (BMP) compounds, including BMP-7. BMP-7 is in preclinical development to treat systemic complications associated with chronic kidney diseases. CRIS said that other applications of its BMP compounds include promoting motor skill recovery after a stroke and improving memory and learning after traumatic brain injury. CRIS will receive a $3.5 million upfront payment, and is eligible for milestones and royalties. CRIS said it could receive a $30 million payment upon FDA approval for a kidney disease or related complication indication. The deal excludes use of BMPs to repair dental and local musculoskeletal tissue defects. ...