Getting an infusion of ViroPharma's
As a result, ViroPharma is developing a version that can be delivered via subcutaneous shot. It'll still require a needle prick, but at least it won't need to be infused over time. It's a low-risk move -- the infused version is already on the market -- but there's no guarantee it'll work since it's harder to get high concentrations of drugs via subcutaneous injection.
So ViroPharma looks like its setting up a backup plan in case its own version doesn't work out. Yesterday, ViroPharma licensed Halozyme Therapeutics'
Halozyme also has also licensed the technology to Roche and Baxter
The partnership won't cost ViroPhama all that much. Halozyme gets $9 million now and another $3 million when the first phase 2 study starts. There's also up to $41 million in milestone payments related to success in hereditary angioedema, and up to another $30 million for three additional indications. Halozyme gets a 10% royalty, but ViroPharma should be able to make up for that by charging more because of the added convenience.
ViroPharma plans to start a phase 2 trial with the combination product in the second half of this year, so we should know sometime next year whether the combo product is a viable alternative.
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