Novartis Ophthalmics, the eye health unit of Novartis AG and Genentech, Inc, have entered into an agreement under which Novartis Ophthalmics will receive an exclusive license to develop and market Lucentis (ranibizumab), formerly known as rhuFab V2, an anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) antibody fragment, outside of North America for indications related to diseases of the eye. Lucentis is currently in Phase III clinical trials for the treatment of the wet form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the United States.

Under the terms of the agreement, Genentech and Novartis will share certain global development costs. Genentech will receive an upfront fee, payments for achievement of clinical development milestones, and royalties on net sales of Lucentis products outside North America. Genentech will retain marketing rights for Lucentis in North America (United States, Canada and Mexico). Novartis Ophthalmics will receive exclusive commercialization rights for the rest of the world.

"This is a landmark accomplishment in our continued commitment as leaders in the development of drug therapies for diseases affecting the back of the eye. We are excited to have this opportunity to further strengthen our portfolio with another innovative product for AMD," said Flemming Ornskov, Head of Novartis Ophthalmics. "Lucentis will be a strong addition to our ophthalmology franchise, which includes Visudyne (verteporfin), the only approved drug treatment for a prevalent form of this disease."

"This strategic collaboration provides Genentech with a strong development and marketing collaborator for Lucentis outside of North America," said Joseph McCracken, Vice President, Business and Commercial Development. "Novartis Ophthalmics' experience and proven success in the retinal disease market will allow Lucentis, if approved, to compete effectively on a global basis."

Lucentis (ranibizumab) is a humanized, therapeutic antibody fragment developed at Genentech to bind and inhibit VEGF, a protein that plays a critical role in angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels). Lucentis is designed to block new blood vessel growth and leakiness, which are thought to lead to wet AMD disease progression.