AEterna Zentaris signs up Hikma to commercialize perifosine in MENA region

24 November 2011

Canada’s AEterna Zentaris (TSX: AEZ) has signed an exclusive commercialization and licensing agreement with Jordon-headquartered Hikma Pharmaceuticals (LSE: HIK) for the registration and marketing of perifosine, AEterna Zentaris' lead anti-cancer compound, for the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region.

Perifosine, a novel oral Akt inhibitor, is currently in two Phase III programs for the treatment of colorectal cancer and multiple myeloma in the USA and Europe. Rights to the drug have been licensed to Keryx Biopharmaceuticals for North America, to Yakult Honsha for Japan and to Handok for Korea. It has yet to receive regulatory approval, but it has been granted orphan status in both the USA and Europe, and has received a positive opinion from the European Medicines Agency in multiple myeloma.

Upfront payment of $2 million to AEterna Zentaris

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