Cerimon gets worldwide licence for Simulect from Novartis

Cerimon Pharmaceuticals has acquired the worldwide rights to commercialise Simulect for the treatment of irritable bowel disease (IBD).

The drug, developed by Novartis and currently approved under an indication for preventing rejection of organ transplants, inhibits the interleukin-2 receptor ? associated with immune system related diseases.

Under the agreement, Novartis will continue to commercialise Simulect for use in organ transplant cases. Cerimon will develop and market an injected form of the drug for IBD patients. It will share revenues with Novartis.

The indication has yet only undergone proof-of-concept trials. Cerimon will now move to pursuing Phase IIb trials of Simulect for IBD.

“We are extremely enthusiastic about developing Simulect for the treatment of IBD, a chronic and potentially severe disease for which new treatment options are clearly needed,” said Cerimon CEO Paul Sekhri.

“We hope that Simulect can significantly improve the quality of life for IBD patients and reduce complications of the disease such as the need for colectomy.”

Cerimon’s deal with Novartis marks the second major licensing agreement for the company. It secured exclusive rights to market two forms of diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, within the United States in October 2005.

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