Boehringer Ingelheim licenses cancer drug to Horizon Pharma

Boehringer Ingelheim has agreed a licensing deal for its cancer drug interferon gamma-1b with Horizon Pharma.

The deal sees Horizon Pharma gain worldwide rights to interferon gamma-1b, which is currently commercialised by Boehringer Ingelheim under the trade names Imukin, Imukine, Immukin and Immukine in around 30 countries, primarily in Europe and the Middle East.

Boehringer Ingelheim has received a five million euro (3.86 million pounds) fee upfront and will also receive 20 million euros upon the closing of the deal, which will give Horizon Pharma rights to interferon gamma-1b in all territories outside the US, Canada and Japan.

Horizon Pharma has also licensed the US, European and Canadian intellectual property rights for interferon gamma-1b for the treatment of Friedreich's ataxia, an indication for which it is yet to be approved.

A phase III trial has already been commenced studying the drug as a Friedreich's ataxia therapy, with top-line results expected by the end of the year.

Timothy Walbert, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Horizon Pharma, said: "Obtaining worldwide rights for interferon gamma-1b solidifies our continued investment in the medicine, and … strengthens our ability to expand its potential global use."