Vifor Pharma in $85 million licensing deal for ChemoCentryx's CCX168 for orphan and rare renal diseases

Iron-deficiency specialist Vifor Pharma is to market the orally-administered complement 5aR inhibitor CCX168 for orphan and rare renal diseases in Europe and certain other major markets.

It comes after the company, which is part of Switzerland-based Galenica Group (SIX: GALN), agreed a deal with ChemoCentryx (Nasdaq: CCXI), a privately-held USA-based biopharma company developing orally-administered therapeutics to treat autoimmune diseases, inflammatory disorders and cancer.

ChemoCentryx is to receive $85 million, comprising $60 million in cash and a $25 million equity investment. There will also be regulatory and commercial milestone payments and royalties on net sales to ChemoCentryx in the Vifor Pharma territories. Those territories are Europe, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America and South Korea.