Horizon Pharma plc (Horizon Pharma), a biopharmaceutical company, announced that its affiliate has entered into a definitive agreement with Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH (Boehringer Ingelheim) to acquire the rights to interferon gamma-1b, which Boehringer Ingelheim commercializes under the trade names Imukin, Imukine, Immukin and Immukine in an estimated 30 countries primarily in Europe and the Middle East.
Under the terms of the agreement, Horizon Pharma paid Boehringer Ingelheim EUR 5 million upon signing and will pay EUR 20 million upon closing for the rights for interferon gamma-1b in all territories outside of the United States, Canada and Japan. Horizon Pharma and Boehringer Ingelheim expect to close the transaction by year-end 2016, subject to the satisfaction of closing conditions.
"Obtaining worldwide rights for interferon gamma-1b solidifies our continued investment in the medicine, and pending the outcome of clinical studies investigating it in Friedreich's ataxia and advanced solid tumors, such as kidney and bladder cancer, strengthens our ability to expand its potential global use," said Timothy P. Walbert, chairman, president and chief executive officer, Horizon Pharma plc.
Under the terms of a separate agreement with an undisclosed third party, Horizon Pharma also licensed the US, European and Canadian intellectual property rights for interferon gamma-1b for the treatment of Friedreich's ataxia. Interferon gamma-1b is currently not indicated or approved for the treatment of Friedreich's ataxia.
On May 5, 2016, the company announced that it completed target enrollment of 90 patients in the phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled STEADFAST study evaluating Actimmune in patients with Friedreich's ataxia. Top-line results from the trial are expected by the end of 2016.
As a result of the agreement with Boehringer Ingelheim, Horizon Pharma will immediately begin investing in related manufacturing, supply chain, regulatory and commercial activities for interferon gamma-1b. As a result, the company anticipates a reduction to 2016 adjusted EBITDA of approximately $10 million versus prior guidance.
