UCB amends terms of Immunomedics epratuzumab alliance

UCB and Immunomedics have mutually agreed to amend the terms of their alliance pertaining to the development and commercialisation of the autoimmune disease therapy epratuzumab.

Under the terms of the newly revised arrangement, UCB will gain permission to sub-license its rights to the drug in certain territories, in exchange for its previously held buy-in rights for epratuzumab's oncology indications.

This will also involve a cash sum of $30 million (23.18 million pounds) being paid to Immunomedics, with the company also entitled to a further $30 million plus additional milestone-based fees should UCB exercise its right to sub-license the drug.

Currently, epratuzumab is being evaluated in a pair of phase III clinical trials to gauge its efficacy as a treatment for moderate to severe lupus.

Professor Dr Iris Loew-Friedrich, chief medical officer and executive vice-president of global projects and development at UCB, said: "UCB strongly believes in partnership and in bringing epratuzumab to people living with severe autoimmune diseases – especially lupus."

Earlier this month, the company announced the commencement of a new clinical study of its rheumatoid arthritis drug Cimzia, which will assess its efficacy compared to a leading alternative.