Halozyme, ViroPharma to Develop Subcutaneous Cinryze

Halozyme Therapeutics and ViroPharma have signed a worldwide exclusive licensing agreement for the use of rHuPH20 (recombinant human hyaluronidase) for the development of a subcutaneous formulation of Cinryze (C1 esterase inhibitor [human]). Halozyme may receive as much as $83 million, with $9 million upfront and potential future milestone payments of $74 million based on clinical and regulatory targets, plus a 10% royalty on future sales. ViroPharma will have exclusivity to C1 esterase inhibition and to the hereditary angioedema (HAE) indication, along with three additional orphan indications. ViroPharma will fund all development and commercialization expenses for the program.

Cinryze received FDA approval for intravenous administration for routine prophylaxis against angioedema attacks in adolescent and adult patients with hereditary angioedema. A combination formulation of Cinryze with rHuPH20 for subcutaneous administration is expected to enter clinical trials by the end of the year.

“Halozyme’s rHuPH20 enzyme may facilitate the subcutaneous administration and absorption of a broad range of pharmaceuticals and biologics, including plasma-derived proteins such as Cinryze,” stated Gregory I. Frost, Ph.D., Halozyme’s president and chief executive officer. “The commercial success of Cinryze is notable, and we look forward to working with ViroPharma to simplify the self-administration of this important biologic that may ultimately provide a more convenient product for as many people as possible with HAE worldwide.”