Research Triangle Park, U.S.A. – Stiefel, a GSK company, and Welichem Biotech, Inc., have entered into an agreement for the acquisition by Stiefel of exclusive development and commercialization rights to the novel anti-inflammatory agent, WBI-1001, in all territories outside of China, Taiwan, Macao and Hong Kong. WBI-1001 is currently in Phase II clinical development for the treatment of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. The transaction is subject to approval by Welichem shareholders.

Stiefel, a GSK company, is a company interested in dermatology and skin science around the world. Stiefel’s focus is on research as well as pharmaceutical, over-the-counter and aesthetic dermatology products.

Welichem will receive an initial payment of CAD$35 million and is eligible to receive additional milestone payments upon achievement of certain clinical development milestones and upon commercialization in certain countries following marketing approval from the corresponding regulatory agencies.

Under terms of the agreement, Stiefel has also received a conditional right to acquire further exclusive rights to develop and commercialize WBI-1001 in China, Taiwan, Macao and Hong Kong, collectively. Upon satisfaction of certain conditions, Welichem will receive an additional payment of CAD$15million.

“I’m delighted to build upon Stiefel’s clinical pipeline of novel dermatology assets with the acquisition of WBI-1001,” said Barbara White, Senior Vice President and Head of Research and Development, Stiefel. “We have a strong commitment to patients with skin conditions and are excited to undertake development of this innovative agent.”

WBI-1001 is a novel, non-steroidal, topical anti-inflammatory new chemical entity (NCE) that has demonstrated efficacy and safety in Ph1 and Ph2 clinical trials for the treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis[i] and moderate to severe atopic dermatitis[ii] for up to 12 weeks as a single therapy. However, Stiefel notes that WBI-1001 is still in development and there are still risks and uncertainties to which the NCE is subject.

Image Courtesy of  andras_csontos / Shutterstock.com

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