GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK) and NanoBio Corporation announced an exclusive licensing agreement in the United States and Canada for the over-the-counter (OTC) use of NB-001, a novel, patented compound representing the next advance in the treatment of cold sores. Developed by NanoBio, NB-001 provides significant antimicrobial activity against the virus that causes cold sores, herpes labialis.

Cold sores are a prevalent condition affecting approximately 20 per cent of the adult population in the US. GSK has established Abreva as the leading cold sore treatment with a greater than 50 per cent share, gaining two share points in the prior 12 months. Abreva is the only OTC medicine approved by the US Food & Drug Administration that is proven to shorten cold sore healing time.

NanoBio has completed two phase-2 clinical trials of NB-001, demonstrating clear efficacy and a good safety profile in patients and plans to enter phase-3 testing soon.

Under the terms of the agreement, NanoBio will receive an upfront payment of US$ 14.5 million, and is eligible to receive additional milestone payments of up to US$ 40 million plus single digit royalties on future sales.

“I am pleased to announce this partnership with GSK as it will enable the development and commercialization of NB-001 to its fullest potential,” said James R Baker, NanoBio’s CEO and founder. “GSK’s demonstrated leadership in developing and marketing consumer healthcare products, including the leading product for the treatment of herpes labialis, makes them the ideal partner for NB-001. On a broader scale, this partnership further validates the promise of our proprietary platform technology, and its potential use in a wide range of dermatological and anti-infective applications.”

Roger Scarlett-Smith, president, GSK Consumer Healthcare North America noted, “We are always looking for innovations that bring value to the consumer. This agreement with NanoBio strengthens our leadership position in the cold sore category. With Abreva, we have a very effective cold sore treatment in the category and look forward to building on that platform with this new technology from NanoBio.”

NanoBio Corp is a privately held biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing dermatological products, anti-infective treatments and intranasal vaccines derived from its patented NanoStat technology platform.