Medivir licenses RSV program from Boehringer Ingelheim

Swedish drugmaker Medivir (OMX: MVIR) has entered a license agreement with German family-owned pharma major Boehringer Ingelheim for exclusive, global rights to a drug program for the treatment and prevention of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection.

“RSV is respiratory pathogen that can cause life-threatening infections, especially in children, the elderly and the immune-compromised. It is a major, underserved disease area today, with no effective treatment available,” said Maris Hartmanis, Medivir’s chief executive, adding: “The in-licensing of this program illustrates Medivir’s strategic intent to enhance its R&D pipeline with high-value, commercial opportunities.”

The program includes novel compounds that inhibit the RSV fusion protein, which is a key mediator of viral entry into host cells and a target for new medicines. “We are very pleased to have secured this program from Boehringer Ingelheim and to have the opportunity to build upon the impressive research already conducted,” said Richard Bethell Medivir’s executive vice president, discovery research.