Singapore: Dyax and CVie Therapeutics, a subsidiary of Lee's Pharmaceutical Holdings, announced a strategic partnership for the development and commercialization of Kalbitor (ecallantide) in the treatment of hereditary angioedema (HAE) and other angioedema indications in China, Hong Kong and Macau. Kalbitor is currently marketed in the us for the treatment of acute attacks of HAE in patients 16 years-of-age and older.

Under the terms of the exclusive license agreement, Dyax will receive an upfront payment and is eligible to receive future development, regulatory and sales milestones. Dyax is also eligible to receive royalty on net product sales.

CVie is solely responsible for all costs associated with development, regulatory activities, and the commercialization of Kalbitor in China, Hong Kong and Macau. Additionally, CVie will purchase drug product from Dyax on a cost-plus basis for commercial supply.

Mr Gustav Christensen, president and chief executive officer, Dyax. "If approved, Kalbitor would become the first novel therapy available for HAE in China, where presently only steroids are used. We are pleased to have secured a new partnership for Kalbitor in this region and look forward to working with CVie toward its commercialization."

Dr Benjamin Li, chief executive officer of CVie, said that, "As a novel therapeutic for acute HAE attacks, we anticipate that Kalbitor will allow us to provide a far more comprehensive disease management solution than is currently offered to HAE patients in China."