EDMONTON, Alberta, Jan. 3, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Isotechnika Pharma Inc. (TSX:ISA) ("Isotechnika" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has signed a Global Development and Commercialization License agreement with Vifor Pharma Ltd., the specialty pharma company of Switzerland based Galenica Group. The agreement grants Vifor Pharma an exclusive license for the Company's lead drug, voclosporin, for the treatment of lupus and all proteinuric nephrology indications (the "Vifor Pharma License"). The Vifor Pharma License is for the United States and other regions outside of Canada, South Africa, Israel, China, Taiwan and Hong Kong (the "Vifor Pharma Territory"). While the details of the transaction are confidential, Isotechnika noted that it is eligible to receive significant upfront and milestone payments, as well as royalties on commercial sales. In connection with this agreement, Vifor Pharma will be purchasing voclosporin capsules from Isotechnika.
Lupus (also called systemic lupus erythematosus) is an autoimmune disease, whereby the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues and organs, most commonly the skin, joints, heart, lungs, blood, kidneys and brain. The signs and symptoms of lupus are varied, and the disease can range from mild to life threatening. Immunosuppressants are often used in the treatment and management of lupus.
"While the successful development of voclosporin for the prevention of kidney transplant rejection remains our primary focus, we believe the expansion of our platform beyond that indication via partnerships like this may help to unlock the drug's full medical and commercial potential," commented Dr. Robert Foster, CEO of Isotechnika. "Autoimmune diseases continue to represent a significant unmet medical need globally and we are confident that the opportunity to advance voclosporin to provide much needed therapeutic choice in the treatment of lupus will be a benefit for patients suffering from this often debilitating disease."
Pursuant to a Development, Distribution and License Agreement between the Company and ILJIN Life Science Co., Ltd ("ILJIN"), ILJIN held an exclusive license to voclosporin for transplant and autoimmune indications for some of the same geographic areas that comprise the Vifor Pharma Territory. In order to facilitate the Vifor Pharma License, ILJIN and Isotechnika have reached an agreement in which ILJIN has licensed back to Isotechnika the autoimmune indications in the countries that fall within the Vifor Pharma Territory.
About Vifor Pharma Ltd.
Vifor Pharma is a specialty pharmaceuticals company of the Galenica Group and one of the world's leaders in the discovery, development, manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceutical products for the treatment of iron deficiency. The company also offers a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines as well as over-the-counter (OTC) products. Vifor Pharma, headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, has an increasingly global presence and a broad network of affiliates and partners around the world. For more information please visit the company's website at www.viforpharma.com.
About Isotechnika Pharma Inc.
Isotechnika Pharma Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of immunomodulating therapeutics designed to offer key safety advantages over currently available treatments. Its lead drug, voclosporin, is a calcineurin inhibitor, and is targeted at the estimated US$3.0 billion market for this class of immunosuppressants. Isotechnika Pharma Inc. trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "ISA". More information on Isotechnika Pharma can be found at www.isotechnika.com or www.sedar.com.
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