BioVersys and Shionogi Partner to Develop New Antibiotics for Drug-Resistant Infections

BioVersys and Shionogi Joined Forces to Accelerate Research and Development

Announcement

BioVersys AG, a biopharmaceutical company known for its excellent research and development of antibacterial products for severe infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, has signed an exclusive agreement with Shionogi & Co. Ltd., a Japanese pharmaceutical company. This partnership aims to discover novel ansamycins through BioVersys’ program to develop clinical candidates.

Agreement

Under the terms and conditions of the agreement, BioVersys will receive near-term research and upfront payment of around CHF 5.0 million. After finalizing clinical candidates, Shionogi will release a license option to which BioVersys will receive CHF 479 million in sales and regulatory fees. BioVersys will also be eligible for tiered royalties on global sales.

Program

The BV500 NTM program is connected to Bioversys’ proprietary Ansamycin chemistry platform. Basel (Switzerland) and Bioversys’ research teams in Lille (France) addressed and developed various advanced and available lead candidates. Candidates involved in vivo anti-NTM and in vitro activity, along with cross-resistance with different therapeutic classes, were approached. The program was fueled by an effective collaboration between the SmartLab public-private partnership and the University of Lille (France). With the expertise and funding support, the BV500 program has been carried forward with this current agreement. The previous partnership will continue to assist and elevate the clinical trials.

Views and Statements

CEO and Co-founder, Dr. Marc Gitzinger, said, “We are thrilled to work with our existing colleagues at Shionogi for the development and advancement of our NTM asset. The new partnership will minimize the research and development risk of BioVersys, along with maintaining financial discipline. Shionogi is a perfect partner for this programme, which has contributed a lot with its commitment and expertise in infectious diseases. This partnership will benefit other stakeholders and patients.” Further, “Apart from the BV500 program, BioVersys continues its phase 3 trial, aligning with our advanced asset BV100 this year.”

Director of the Board, Senior Vice President, R&D Supervisory unit at Shionogi & Co. Ltd, PhD, John Keller, said, “We are proud to join hands with BioVersys. This partnership correlates to our commitment to introduce innovative treatment for infectious diseases. Shionogi will provide operational capabilities and scientific knowledge to bolster the BioVersys BV500 program.”

Head of Research at BioVersys, Dr. Nawaz Khan, said, “BV500 is capable of being the best therapeutic for NTM infections. We are pleased that our program received attention from a popular partner. This is a recognition of our work that has led us to a larger platform. We expect development and opportunity through this partnership.”