Stiefel, a GSK company, and Welichem Biotech Inc., have entered into an agreement for the acquisition by Stiefel of exclusive development and commercialization rights to the novel anti-inflammatory agent, WBI-1001, in all territories in the world outside of China, Taiwan, Macao and Hong Kong. WBI-1001 is currently in Phase II clinical development for the treatment of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.
Welichem will receive an initial payment of CAD$35 million and is eligible to receive additional payments upon achievement of certain clinical development milestones and upon commercialization in certain countries following marketing approval from the corresponding regulatory agencies. The transaction is subject to approval by the shareholders of Welichem.
Under terms of the agreement, Stiefel has also received a conditional right to acquire further exclusive rights to develop and commercialize WBI-1001 in China, Taiwan, Macao and Hong Kong, collectively, at a future date upon satisfaction of certain conditions and upon making an additional payment of CAD$15 million.
"Based on clinical results to date, we believe that WBI-1001 has the potential to be a first-line topical therapy for psoriasis and atopic dermatitis" said Dr. Liren Tang, President and CEO of Welichem, "As a leader in dermatology products, Stiefel has the clinical development and commercialization capabilities to bring this novel product to these patients around the world."
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