Endo, Bioniche Sign Urocidin Agreement

Endo Pharmaceuticals has licensed the exclusive rights to develop and market Bioniche Life Sciences‘ Urocidin in the U.S., with an option for global rights. Urocidin is a formulation of Mycobacterial Cell Wall-DNA Complex (MCC) developed by Bioniche for the treatment of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer that is currently in Phase III testing.

Under the agreement, Bioniche will receive an up-front cash payment of $20 million and the potential for as much as $110 million in additional payments based on future clinical, regulatory, and commercial milestones. Bioniche will manufacture the product and receive a transfer price for supply.

“We are excited about the opportunity to expand our portfolio in bladder cancer treatment and enhance our late stage development pipeline,” said David Holveck, president and chief executive officer of Endo Pharmaceuticals. “In August Endo plans to launch Valstar, for the treatment of bladder cancer. If successful in clinical development, Urocidin has the potential to extend and enhance our recent therapeutic expansion and strengthen the Valstar franchise.”

Graeme McRae, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Bioniche, added, “Endo Pharmaceuticals represents the optimal development and commercialization partner for Bioniche, given its understanding of the bladder cancer market and breadth of pharmaceutical industry experience. We look forward to advancing the Urocidin development and commercialization program in collaboration with the Endo team.”