Regeneron, Genentech partially settle Eylea patent issue

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Jan 16, 2012, 9:46:34 PM1/16/12

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Genentech and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals have agreed to a partial
settlement with regard to ophthalmic sales of aflibercept injections
in the United States, according to a press release.

Under the plan, Regeneron will receive a non-exclusive license to
certain patents for VEGF receptor proteins as well as to other
technology patents, the release said.

The agreement calls for Regeneron to pay Genentech based on U.S. sales
of Eylea (aflibercept, Regeneron) through May 7, 2016, according to
the release. Once sales reach $400 million, Regeneron will pay
Genentech $60 million. When sales reach between $400 million and $3
billion, Regeneron will pay royalties of 4.75%. Once sales exceed $3
billion, Regeneron will pay royalties of 5.5%.

Litigation will continue with regard to patents not covered by the
partial settlement agreement, according to the release.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Eylea, also known as
VEGF Trap-Eye, for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular
degeneration in December 2011 after a priority review.

In clinical trials, Eylea was as safe and effective in maintaining
vision as Lucentis. Lucentis is injected monthly, while Eylea would
only have to be injected every two months, making it more convenient
for patients. Less frequent injections may also decrease the risk of
adverse events related to the injection procedure, such as
endophthalmitis and elevation of intraocular pressure.

Both drugs may face competition from Avastin (bevacizumab), a much
less expensive medicine that is often used to treat macular
degeneration even though it has not been approved by the FDA for that
purpose.

Avastin also blocks angiogenesis, but the tiny amount needed for an
eye injection costs only around $50, against a U.S. price of $1,950
for Lucentis and probably a similar price for Eylea.

Many doctors, particularly in the United States, already use Avastin
off label to treat wet age-related macular degeneration. Analysts said
more may start to prescribe it after the CATT study showed Avastin was
as effective as Lucentis, though it had more side effects.

OSN Supersite

http://www.osnsupersite.com/view.aspx?rid=90916

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