Anthera, Zenyaku deal
Zenyaku terminated a December 2014 deal with Anthera granting Zenyaku exclusive rights to develop and commercialize blisibimod in Japan and an option to license rights to blisibimod in undisclosed additional Asian countries. Anthera will regain worldwide rights to the peptide fusion protein that antagonizes BLyS (BAFF). The termination is effective Jan. 7, 2016. Final data from a Phase III trial of blisibimod in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are expected in 2H16.
Under the terms of the original agreement, Anthera was eligible to receive up to $15 million in equity purchases by Zenyaku at a 30% premium to market price. At the time that the deal’s termination was announced, Zenyaku had purchased $9 million of Anthera shares. Zenyaku will be required to continue undisclosed funding obligations during the deal’s termination period. Anthera said Zenyaku gave no reason for the termination. ...