Aslan to make Array's small molecule cancer drug varlitinib under new licensing deal
The deal gives ASLAN exclusive global rights to commercialize and sublicense the drug – which has shown efficacy in the treatment of biliary tract, gastric, breast and colorectal cancer - in return for a payment of $12m (€9.9m) upfront.
Aslan is also entitled to receive a further $11m in the next year, as well as development, regulatory and commercial milestones of around $105m and sales royalties if the drug goes on to be approved.
Singapore-based Aslan has been involved in development of varlitinib since 2011 when it agreed to develop the drug to proof-of-concept.
The earlier deal also tasked Aslan with identifying partners to complete help with Phase III development and commercialization.
In 2015, Seoul-based Hyundai Pharmaceuticals licensed rights to the drug for the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma in South Korea.
An Aslan spokesman told us "At this stage, ASLAN is already manufacturing clinical supply and validating commercial supply with partners in the UK. This material is already being used in our pivotal studies and, if approved, will be used for commercial supply.
"We expect Hyundai will also use material manufactured by ASLAN and our UK partners. Separately, we are manufacturing in China, specifically for China commercial supply."
