BioCentury
ARTICLE | Company News

Curis gains rights to Genentech cancer compound

November 29, 2012 1:57 AM UTC

Genentech Inc. granted Curis Inc. (NASDAQ:CRIS) exclusive, worldwide rights to develop and commercialize cancer compound CUDC-427 (formerly GDC-0917). Genentech, a unit of Roche (SIX:ROG; OTCQX:RHHBY), will receive $9.5 million up front and is eligible for undisclosed milestones, plus tiered royalties. CUDC-427, an oral small molecule that triggers cancer cell death by antagonizing inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) proteins, has completed a Phase I trial in patients with solid tumors or lymphoma. Curis said it plans to advance the product as a single agent, with Phase II testing to start in about a year, as well as in combination therapies.

Curis also said it will receive $30 million in a loan from Pharmakon Advisors. The loan will bear 12.25% interest and will be secured by royalties from Erivedge vismodegib, a small molecule hedgehog pathway inhibitor approved in the U.S. in January to treat advanced basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Genentech discovered vismodegib and jointly validated the compound with Curis through a series of preclinical studies. Roche reported CHF18 million ($19.1 million) in Erivedge sales for the first nine months of 2012. ...