On March 31, 2021 Immunic, Inc. (Nasdaq: IMUX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a pipeline of selective oral immunology therapies aimed at treating chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, and 4SC AG (FSE Prime Standard: VSC), reported the signing of an agreement under which Immunic will settle its remaining obligation of a 4.4% royalty on net sales of selective oral DHODH inhibitor, IMU-838, for $17.25 million (Press release, Immunic, MAR 31, 2021, View Source [SID1234577449]). The transaction will be payable 50% in cash and 50% in shares of Immunic’s common stock.
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Immunic acquired lead program IMU-838 in September 2016 from 4SC AG through an asset acquisition, in exchange for a one-time upfront cash payment, future milestone payments and a royalty on net sales for a certain period. With completion of this transaction, no further payment obligations remain between Immunic and 4SC.
"Execution of this agreement with 4SC is key, as it provides us with 100% of the future sales potential of our lead asset, IMU-838," stated Daniel Vitt, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer and President of Immunic. "Backed by exceptionally strong data generated by our phase 2 EMPhASIS trial in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), we are now planning to initiate a phase 3 trial during the second half of this year. We are excited to move our pipeline forward and the acquisition of the royalties will enable us to realize the full market potential of IMU-838, not only as a treatment for RRMS but also as a potential new therapeutic option for ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, COVID-19, and primary sclerosing cholangitis, thereby driving significant future value for our shareholders."
Jason Loveridge, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of 4SC, added, "4SC is very pleased to conclude this transaction as it provides non-dilutive financing for our own oncology programs, extending our cash reach well into the second half of 2022. We are expecting exciting data from some key domatinostat programs, such as DONIMI in the neoadjuvant space, in 2021 and this transaction will help us move this and other key studies in Merkel cell carcinoma forward."