KaloBios Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced an agreement with Sanofi
Pasteur, the vaccines division of the sanofi-aventis Group, for the
development and commercialization of KB001, an investigational new
biologic for the treatment or prevention of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
(Pa) infections. Sanofi Pasteur will be responsible for the
development and commercialization of KB001 and initially focus on
hospital indications, including the prevention of Pa pneumonias
in mechanically ventilated patients. KaloBios will focus on developing
and commercializing KB001 for use in treating patients with cystic
fibrosis and bronchiectasis, an obstructive lung disease aggravated by
bacterial infections.
“KB001’s novel mechanism of action against Pa provides a unique
means of fighting these infections, which are often resistant to
antibiotic therapies. We also think this novel mechanism could have a
significant impact on Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in cystic
fibrosis patients as well.”
Under the terms of the agreement, KaloBios will receive an upfront
payment of $35 million from Sanofi Pasteur, plus development, regulatory
and commercial milestones for a potential further $255 million, as well
as royalties on eventual product sales. Sanofi Pasteur also has the
option to acquire commercial rights to KaloBios’ indications for KB001
outside the United States and co-promotion rights in the United States.