Okapi Sciences NV (Okapi Sciences), a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative antiviral treatments for animals, has entered into an exclusive agreement with Novartis Animal Health for the joint development and commercialisation of an antiviral treatment for cats. This novel drug will potentially be the world’s first antiviral small molecule specifically developed for veterinary use.

In close collaboration with Novartis Animal Health, Okapi Sciences is responsible for finalising the clinical development work and applying for marketing authorisation at the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the US Food and Drug Administration.

Under the terms of the agreement Okapi Sciences will receive payments if milestones are achieved, as well as royalties on any eventual sales of the product. Financial details were not disclosed.

Erwin Blomsma, CEO of Okapi Sciences, commented: “Today's collaborative deal with Novartis Animal Health is a major milestone for Okapi Sciences. Novartis Animal Health is the ideal partner for our product.” Nesya Goris, chief scientist at Okapi Sciences, added: “It is exciting to join forces with the Novartis team in bringing this antiviral drug through the final stage of development and into the market.”