UCB and Dermira announce new strategic Cimzia collaboration

UCB has announced an exclusive licensing agreement with Dermira for the development and future commercialisation of the drug Cimzia in the field of dermatology.

The overall aim of this partnership is to broaden patient access to the drug and make it available to patients with the chronic autoimmune disorder psoriasis, as Cimzia has shown promise in treating this condition in clinical trials.

Under the terms of the agreement, Dermira has obtained exclusive rights to develop Cimzia for the treatment of psoriasis in the US, Canada and the EU, taking responsibility for phase III development costs.

In return, it will receive payments of up to $49.5 million (28.88 million pounds) on the achievement of certain developmental and regulatory milestones. Additionally, UCB is making an equity investment in Dermira.

Professor Dr Iris Loew-Friedrich, chief medical officer and executive vice-president of UCB, said: "With Dermira, we now have a strong specialised partner with whom to move forward to make Cimzia available to patients living with psoriasis and their physicians."

The drug is one of the company's most important commercial assets and is used in the treatment of various conditions, including psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.