Genentech Inks Licensing Deal With Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals

Genentech has inked a licensing and development deal with Bermuda-based biotech Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals for the company’s investigational drug vixarelimab.

The monoclonal antibody targets oncostatin M receptor beta. Genentech will focus its efforts on the drug candidate for treatment of fibrosis, given its potential for treating oncostatin M-mediated disease.

Kiniksa intends to complete its ongoing phase 2b clinical trial investigating the drug as a treatment for the skin disease prurigo nodularis.

Kiniksa will receive $100 million in upfront and near-term payments and is also eligible to receive up to approximately $600 million for achieving clinical, regulatory and sales-based milestones.