Ipsen grants license to Debiopharm for developing and commercialising cancer treatment

Sep 7 2009

Ipsen (Euronext:IPN), an innovation-driven global specialty pharmaceutical Group and Debiopharm Group (Debiopharm), a Swiss-based global biopharmaceutical group of companies with a focus on the development of prescription drugs that target unmet medical needs, announced today the signature of an agreement under which Debiopharm is granted an exclusive worldwide license to develop and commercialise Ipsen's first-in-class inhibitor of the CDC25 phosphatase enzyme (now Debio 0931), for the treatment of various human cancers.

CDC25 is a key enzyme involved in the regulation of cell cycle. Its over-expression is associated with the progression of cancer. By blocking the cell cycle and thus interrupting tumour growth, Debio 0931 represents a promising novel target for cancer therapies. This preclinical candidate will now be the subject of a full development program under the responsibility of Debiopharm.

Under the terms of the agreement Debiopharm will be exclusively responsible for the development of Debio 0931, with Ipsen having an option to re-acquire development and commercialisation rights post completion of Phase II clinical trials. Ipsen will receive an upfront payment and be eligible for milestone payments and royalties.

Jean-Luc Belingard, Ipsen's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer said: "We are delighted that Ipsen's CDC25 inhibitor will be progressed toward clinical development by Debiopharm, a company with a strong track record in oncology. Debiopharm is our long-standing partner with whom we have had a very fruitful partnership in other areas of oncology for more than 20 years and we feel confident that the full potential of CDC25 will be maximised, thanks to Debiopharm's strong expertise in oncology development."

Rolland-Yves Mauvernay, President and Founder of Debiopharm Group added: "We are extremely pleased to enter into another alliance with Ipsen. This collaboration is an opportunity to grow our pipeline in oncology, our area of expertise. We believe that Debio 0931 may have applications in the treatment of various types of cancer which will increase the quality of life of many cancer patients."