On September 14, 2017 Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: HALO) reported it licensed its ENHANZE drug-delivery technology to Roche for exclusive development of an undisclosed therapeutic target (Press release, Halozyme, SEPT 14, 2017, View Source [SID1234527667]).
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Under terms of the agreement, Halozyme will receive an initial $30 million with the potential to earn additional payments of up to $160 million subject to achievement of specified development, regulatory and sales-based milestones. Halozyme will also receive tiered, mid-single digit royalties on sales of commercialized products.
"We are pleased to broaden our longstanding collaboration with Roche to include selection of a new target," said Dr. Helen Torley, president and CEO. "With each new licensing agreement, we see the potential for our global partners to advance their innovative therapies, reducing the treatment burden for patients, caregivers and payers through shorter administration times or a less frequent dosing regimen."
The Halozyme/Roche relationship dates back to the original global collaboration and licensing agreement for the ENHANZE technology signed in 2006. From this agreement, Roche developed two subcutaneous formulations of cancer drugs for markets worldwide. More recently, the relationship expanded to include the study of Halozyme’s investigational oncology drug, PEGPH20, with atezolizumab as part of a clinical collaboration announced in 2016.
The Halozyme ENHANZE technology is based on a proprietary recombinant human hyaluronidase enzyme (rHuPH20) that temporarily degrades hyaluronan — a glycosaminoglycan or chain of natural sugars in the body — to aid in the dispersion and absorption of other injected therapeutic drugs. For Halozyme partners, this technology may allow for more rapid delivery of injectable medications through subcutaneous delivery.
About ENHANZE Technology
Halozyme’s proprietary ENHANZE drug-delivery technology is based on its patented recombinant human hyaluronidase enzyme (rHuPH20). rHuPH20 has been shown to remove traditional limitations on the volume of biologics that can be delivered subcutaneously (just under the skin). By using rHuPH20, some biologics and compounds that are administered intravenously may instead be delivered subcutaneously. ENHANZE may also benefit subcutaneous biologics by reducing the need for multiple injections. This delivery has been shown in studies to reduce health care practitioner time required for administration and shorten time for drug administration.