Protalix and Pfizer expand Elelyso agreement

Israeli drug developer Protalix BioTherapeutics (NYSE-AMEX: OLX) said yesterday that it has entered into a clinical development agreement with USA-based Pfizer (NYSE: PFE), the world biggest drugmaker by sales, under which Protalix will continue to manage, administer and sponsor current, ongoing clinical trials relating to Elelyso (taliglucerase alfa).

Protalix is currently sponsoring adult and pediatric extension studies of Elelyso. New clinical trials for Elelyso will be conducted and sponsored by Pfizer. The drug was recently approved in Israel for type 1 Gaucher disease, and in May in the USA where it is already marketed by Pfizer (The Pharma Letter October 1).

Under the terms of the new accord, Protalix is eligible to receive a milestone payment of $8.3 million on the achievement of certain near-term clinical development milestones. This agreement helps to maintain the continuity of the ongoing clinical trials for Gaucher patients and physicians and reinforces the companies' mutual commitment to the Gaucher community.