3SBio, Isotechnika To Develop Voclosporin in China

3SBio, Inc. and Isotechnika Pharma, Inc. have signed a development and commercialization agreement for voclosporin, a next-gen calcineurin inhibitor being developed for the prevention of organ rejection and the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

Isotechnika will grant 3SBio exclusive rights to all transplant and autoimmune indications of voclosporin in China, including Hong Kong and Taiwan, and will receive an upfront licensing payment of $1.5 million. 3SBio will be responsible for the clinical development, registration and commercialization of the drug in China. Isotechnika will provide, under separate agreement, commercial supply to 3SBio on a cost-plus basis. Isotechnika will also receive royalties on sales.

“This agreement represents an important milestone for the continued development of voclosporin in transplantation indication worldwide after Isotechnika regained global rights of this product in 2008,” commented Dr. Robert Foster, president and chief executive officer of Isotechnika. “3SBio’s commercial expertise and leading franchise in nephrology in China make the company an ideal partner for the region and provides further validation of voclosporin’s market potential. We continue to seek strategic partnerships in other regions.”