UCB, a global biopharmaceutical company, and Dermira, a privately held U.S.-based dermatology company, have entered into an exclusive licensing agreement for the development and future commercialization of Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) for the treatment of psoriasis in dermatology. This collaboration aims to broaden patient access to Cimzia and make it available to patients with psoriasis. (Cimzia is not currently approved for the treatment of psoriasis by any regulatory authority.)
Under the terms of the agreement, UCB grants Dermira an exclusive license to develop certolizumab pegol in psoriasis in the U.S., Canada and the European Union. Dermira will be responsible for Phase 3 development costs and will receive payments of up to $49.5 million on the achievement of development and regulatory milestones. Subject to regulatory approval of Cimzia in psoriasis, Dermira is granted an exclusive commercial license to market Cimzia to dermatologists in the U.S. and Canada. In support of the partnership, UCB has made a $5 million equity investment in Dermira and a commitment to invest up to an additional $15 million in future Dermira equity financings.
"The Dermira team has a track record in dermatology drug development and commercialization and we look forward to our collaboration. Since the first US approval of Cimzia in 2008, we continue to evaluate its potential across severe immunological diseases with the goal of bringing this treatment option to more patients," said Professor Dr. Iris Loew-Friedrich, chief medical officer and executive vice president, UCB. "The exploratory Phase 2 studies in patients with plaque psoriasis have shown promising data that support further clinical development."
