GSK company Stiefel and Welichem Biotech, Inc.,a publicly-traded biotechnology company developing therapeutic drugs in the fields of autoimmune diseases and cancers, have entered into  an agreement  for the acquisition by Stiefel of exclusive development and commercialization rights  to the novel anti-inflammatory agent, WBI-1001, in all territories outside of China, Taiwan, Macao and Hong Kong.  WBI-1001 is currently in phase II clinical development for the treatment of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. The transaction is subject to approval by Welichem shareholders.
 
Welichem will receive an initial payment of CAD$35 million and is eligible to receive additional milestone payments upon achievement of certain clinical development milestones and upon commercialization in certain countries following marketing approval from the corresponding regulatory agencies.
 
Under terms of the agreement, Stiefel has also received a conditional right to acquire further exclusive rights to develop and commercialize WBI-1001 in China, Taiwan, Macao and Hong Kong, collectively.  Upon satisfaction of certain conditions, Welichem will receive an additional payment of CAD$15million.
 
“I’m delighted to build upon Stiefel’s clinical pipeline of novel dermatology assets with the acquisition of WBI-1001” said Barbara White, senior vice president and head of research and development, Stiefel “We have a strong commitment to patients with skin conditions and are excited to undertake development of this innovative agent.”
 
About WBI-1001: WBI-1001 is a novel, non-steroidal, topical anti-inflammatory new chemical entity (NCE) that has demonstrated efficacy and safety in Ph1 and Ph2 clinical trials for the treatment of mild to moderate psoriasisi and moderate to severe atopic dermatitisii for up to 12 weeks as a single therapy.
 
Stiefel, a GSK company, is committed to advancing dermatology and skin science around the world in order to help people better achieve healthier skin.