Gilead Sciences and Genelabs Technologies have signed an agreement to collaborate in the research, development and commercialization of novel compounds for the treatment of infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). In this collaboration, Genelabs will lead research efforts and Gilead will lead development and commercialization efforts for novel nucleoside inhibitors of HCV polymerase.

Under the terms of the agreement, Gilead will pay to Genelabs a non-refundable $8 million upfront payment and will provide research funding over the next three years. In return Genelabs will devote a specified number of scientists to the programme and provide Gilead with exclusive access to certain compounds developed in the programme. Genelabs could also earn milestone payments of up to $38 million for each compound developed by Gilead under the agreement, based upon the achievement of specified development and regulatory goals. Gilead will receive exclusive worldwide license rights and will pay Genelabs a royalty on any net sales of future products arising from the collaboration, release from Genelabs said.

"We are pleased to partner with Genelabs, a company whose mission closely aligns with ours," said John C Martin, president and CEO of Gilead Sciences. "There is a significant unmet medical need in hepatitis C therapy today, and Genelabs' research expertise and capabilities uniquely position the company to work with Gilead to develop compounds that can address this life-threatening disease. We look forward to working with the Genelabs team in this collaboration to advance novel product candidates forward to the clinic," he added.

"Gilead has proven to be a potent force in the development and commercialization of antiviral products and is an ideal partner for Genelabs' HCV program," said James A. D. Smith, president and CEO of Genelabs. "Our programme goal is simple -to discover and develop best-in-class compounds for treatment of HCV. We believe Gilead shares this goal and see them as the best partner to successfully execute our mutual vision for bringing new HCV therapies to market. We very much look forward to working closely with the Gilead team over the coming years."

Globally, more than 170 million people have chronic hepatitis C. Currently, there is no vaccine that can protect against hepatitis C infection.