Singapore: US-based BioSpecifics Technologies, a biopharmaceutical company, and its partner Auxilium Pharmaceuticals have entered into a collaboration with Swedish Orphan Biovitrum (Sobi) for long-term development, supply and commercialization of Xiapex (collagenase clostridium histolyticum) for the treatment of Dupuytren's contracture.

Mr Thomas L Wegman, president, BioSpecifics, said that, "We believe this strategic collaboration with Sobi will enable further growth of Xiapex in the EU and additional regions. The expanded sales territory now includes a total of 71 countries which will continue the upward momentum of getting this treatment to new audiences. Sobi has a proven track record of commercializing innovative products and we are excited about reaching patients with these unmet medical needs through this collaboration. We look forward to further news this quarter with the potential approval of Xiaflex in the US for Peyronie's disease."

According to Auxilium, Sobi will receive exclusive rights to commercialize Xiapex for Dupuytren's contracture in 71 Eurasian and African countries under this agreement. Sobi will receive exclusive rights to commercialize Xiapex for Dupuytren's contracture and Peyronie's disease, subject to applicable regulatory approvals, in 28 EU member countries, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, 18 Central Eastern Europe/Commonwealth of Independent countries, including Russia and Turkey, and 22 Middle Eastern and North African countries.

Since 2011, Xiapex has been approved for the treatment of Dupuytren's contracture in 28 EU member countries, Switzerland, and Norway. Sobi, via its partner products business unit, will be primarily responsible for the applicable regulatory, clinical and commercialization activities for Xiapex in Dupuytren's contracture and Peyronie's disease in these countries.

BioSpecifics will receive a certain percentage of milestone payments that Sobi pays to Auxilium. BioSpecifics will also receive royalties from net sales and payments on costs of goods sold in Sobi territories from Auxilium, which will be a specified percentage of what Auxilium receives from Sobi.