Protalix BioTherapeutics, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of recombinant therapeutic proteins, has entered into a clinical development agreement with Pfizer Inc. 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 paediatric extension studies of Elelyso. New clinical trials for Elelyso will be conducted and sponsored by Pfizer.
Under the terms of the agreement, Protalix is eligible to receive a milestone payment of $8.3 million upon 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.
On November 30, 2009, Pfizer and Protalix entered into an agreement to develop and commercialize taliglucerase alfa, an enzyme replacement therapy for the treatment of Gaucher disease. Under the terms of the agreement, Pfizer received exclusive worldwide licensing rights for the commercialization of taliglucerase alfa, while Protalix retained the exclusive commercialization rights in Israel.