Anadys Pharmaceuticals, Inc and LG Life Sciences of Seoul, Korea announced that they have entered into an agreement to develop for potential commercialization LB80380 (ANA380), a Phase II nucleotide analog for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus infection.

Based on pre-clinical and clinical study results to date, LG Life Sciences and Anadys are pursuing the development of LB80380 (ANA380) as a potential front-line therapy for the treatment of chronic HBV infection.

Under the terms of the agreement, Anadys has acquired an exclusive license from LG Life Sciences for the clinical development and commercialization of LB80380 (ANA380) for the treatment of chronic HBV infection in North America, Europe, Japan and the rest of the world other than China, Korea, India and countries in Southeast Asia.

The agreement further provides that the parties will work jointly and will share costs for the clinical development of LB80380 (ANA380) on a global basis. Specific financial terms were not disclosed.

"LB80380 (ANA380) significantly enhances Anadys' franchise in anti-infective medicines, and we are pleased to have the opportunity to work with LG Life Sciences on the development of this compound," said Kleanthis G. Xanthopoulos, Ph.D., Anadys' president and CEO.

"LG Life Sciences is very pleased to work closely with Anadys to pursue a global joint development plan. The Anadys management team has a significant track record developing and commercializing anti-infectives. We look forward to a long and productive relationship with Anadys," said Heung-Joon Yang, Ph.D., president and CEO of LG Life Sciences.