Dicerna enters alliance to develop hepatitis B drugs

Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced a research collaboration and licensing agreement with Roche to develop novel therapies for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection using Dicerna’s proprietary GalXC RNAi platform technology. The collaboration will focus on worldwide development and commercialization of DCR-HBVS, Dicerna’s investigational therapy in Phase 1 clinical development. The collaboration also includes the discovery and development of therapies targeting multiple additional human and viral genes associated with HBV infection using the technology platforms of both companies.

“Dicerna is excited to collaborate with Roche to realize the full potential of DCR-HBVS and leverage our GalXC platform to target and silence specific genes that contribute to chronic hepatitis B virus infection,” said Douglas M. Fambrough, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of Dicerna. “With its deep expertise in HBV and established global infrastructure, Roche is ideally suited to help us accelerate the development and commercialization of DCR-HBVS, pursue a cure for chronic HBV infection, and address this serious global threat to public health.”

“We are excited to engage in a clinical partnership and research collaboration with Dicerna,” said John Young, global head of Infectious Diseases at Roche Pharma Early Research & Development. “This partnership builds upon our existing portfolio and internal expertise and positions us well to develop a best-in-disease therapy to cure chronic HBV infection.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Dicerna will receive $200 million in an initial upfront payment and may be eligible to receive up to an additional $1.47 billion over time for the achievement of specified development, regulatory and commercial milestones. In addition, Dicerna may be eligible to receive royalties based on potential product sales of DCR-HBVS. Dicerna retains an option to co-fund pivotal development of DCR-HBVS worldwide, which if exercised, entitles Dicerna to receive enhanced royalties and co-promote products including DCR-HBVS in the U.S.

Dicerna and Roche also agreed to collaborate on the research and development of additional therapies targeting multiple human and viral genes implicated in chronic HBV infection, using technology from both companies, for which Dicerna is eligible to receive additional milestones and royalties on any potential products.

The transaction is subject to the expiration or termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 and other customary conditions.