Sept. 21 Quick Takes: Catalys-backed newco buys regional rights to Inventiva NASH therapy

Hepalys Pharma Inc., a start-up backed by Catalys Pacific, has obtained rights in Japan and South Korea to lanifibranor, the pan-PPAR agonist from Inventiva S.A. (Euronext:IVA; NASDAQ:IVA), for $10 million up front. The French biotech is eligible for another $231 million in milestones, plus royalties. Inventiva already has a 30% stake in Hepalys, and may opt to acquire the start-up outright. Lanifibranor is in Phase III testing to treat non-alcoholic steatohepatitis; Hepalys intends to begin a Phase I study in Japanese patients.

Everest Medicines Ltd. (HKEX:1952) obtained territorial rights to selective immunoproteasome inhibitor zetomipzopib in a deal with Kezar Life Sciences Inc. (NASDAQ:KZR), and the cross-border company intends to join the Phase IIb PALIZADE study of the molecule to treat lupus nephritis. The partners’ deal covers mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines. Kezar will receive $7 million up front; it’s eligible for $125.5 million in milestones, plus royalties...