Novartis/Genentech deal for Lucentis

Novartis and Genentech have signed an agreement under which the former has gained an exclusive license to develop and commercialize the anti-vascular endothelial growth factor antibody fragment, Lucentis (ranibizumab), outside North America and Mexico for ophthalmic indications.

In return, Genentech will receive an upfront fee, milestone payments and royalties on sales outside North America and Mexico; Genentech retains the marketing rights for Lucentis in the latter territories. Under the agreement, both companies will share certain worldwide development costs. Lucentis is currently undergoing Phase III evaluation in the USA as a treatment for the wet form of age-related macular degeneration.