Ligand, Chiva Pharmaceuticals Inc. deal

Ligand granted Chiva exclusive, worldwide rights to develop and commercialize osteoporosis drug Fablyn lasofoxifene. Ligand will receive $4 million up front and is eligible for milestones and single-digit royalties. The selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) is approved in the EU to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women at increased risk of fracture. Ligand expects Chiva to launch the drug in China and Japan in about two years. ...