Cephalon licenses Lupuzor rights to ImmuPharma

Cephalon has licensed the worldwide rights of Lupuzor to Immpuharma, it has been revealed.

The product is an investigational medication, used as a treatment of systematic lupus erythematosus – an autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body.

The licensing of the rights follows a phase IIb study and will see Cephalon responsible for expenses of further trials, any regulatory filings and commercialisation of the drug.

In the collaboration’s initiation last year, Immupharma received a $15 million (10.41 million pounds) upfront fee and will receive an extra $30 million as a result of the latest agreement.

Dr Lesley Russell, executive vice-president and chief medical officer of Cephalon, said the company was “pleased” the study showed the product had a “favourable efficacy and safety profile”.

She added: “We will initiate plans to implement pivotal Phase III clinical trials this year.”

Last month, the organisation said it had acquired Ception Therapeutics for $100 million.