Infinity/Purdue: The Challenge of Reprising Roche/Genentech
Executive Summary
Infinity's "Big Brother" deal with the privately held affiliates Purdue and Mundipharma comes closest of any recent deal to replicating the structure of the Genentech/Roche relationship -- swapping the majority of a biotech's pipeline to a well-heeled partner in return for independence from the capital markets and enough commercial upside to deliver a long-term return for investors. But the idiosyncrasies of the Purdue/Mundipharma ownership and structure, and the recent stormy history that opened minds to the possibility of such a deal, show why further iterations of the model will remain a rarity.
You may also be interested in...
Epizyme Builds A Cancer Company At Mach Speed
Epizyme’s recent alliance with Celgene validates industry’s interest in histone methyltransferase inhibitors, a kinase-like class of epigenetic enzymes. Celgene’s willingness to cede US rights in return for access to preclinical assets belies HMTs’ novelty and helps to position Epizyme for potential success as a US-focused oncology company. Despite the strong start, it won’t be easy.
Finally A FIBCO, Regeneron Sets Its Sights On Eylea And Beyond
The better-than-expected performance of Regeneron’s first significant commercial drug, Eylea, has fueled the company’s ambitions to build a sustainable, risk-adjusted portfolio based on a mix of best-in-class and first-in-class new drugs. Getting to this point took a mixture of perseverance, astute science, opportunism, and savvy partnering.
Infinity Extends R&D Collaboration With Mundipharma, Gets Another $50 Million For PI3K Program
Mundipharma has once again reinforced its partnership with Infinity by committing an additional $50 million to the partnership, with the money to be used in 2013 to support the biotech’s ongoing development of Hedgehog pathway inhibitor IPI-926.