By Jason Derry —

Peptimmune and Novartis Sign $500 Million Deal

Peptimmune Inc. and Novartis AG recently announced a licensing deal for Peptimmune's multiple sclerosis drug candidate, PI-2301.  The deal gives Novartis an exclusive license to the drug candidate.  Novartis will assume all responsibilities relative to clinical development, manufacturing, and marketing of PI-2301.  The deal could be worth up to $500 million for Peptimmune if certain milestones are met.  In addition, Peptimmune will be entitled to royalties on drug sales.

BMS to License HCV Therapy from Zymogenetics

Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) and ZymoGenetics recently announced a licensing deal for ZymoGenetics' hepatitis C therapy PEG-interferon lambda.  BMS will pay ZymoGenetics $85 million upfront and a license fee of $20 million for 2009.  ZymoGenetics will also be entitled to further payments based on certain milestones events.  In all, the deal could be worth up to $1.1 billion for ZymoGenetics.

Merck to License MS Drug

Merck KGaA recently announced that it has entered a licensing agreement with Apitope, a British biotech company, to license Apitope's multiple sclerosis drug, ATX-MS-1467.  Merck has reported that it will pay Apitope up to $204.8 million in upfront payments and possible milestone payments.  Apitope will also be entitled to royalties.  Apitope's press release regarding the agreement can be viewed here.