Dive Brief:
- Bayer is partnering with Orion Pharmaceuticals to develop and commercialize Orion’s investigational prostate cancer drug—ODM-201.
- The drug is being developed for the treatment of non-metastatic prostate disease. Bayer already has a drug used to treat metastatic prostate cancer.
- Bayer is paying 50 million euros up front and will make milestone payments as well.
Dive Insight:
In May 2013, Bayer received approval for Xofigo for the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer. It won expedited approval and performed well in trials. Xofigo has blockbuster potential, and Bayer wants to strengthen its prostate cancer portfolio by adding additional treatment options. ODM-201, an oral androgen-receptor inhibitor, is a perfect candidate. ODM-201 is being developed for the treatment of non-metastatic prostate cancer. Men with non-metastatic disease for whom surgery and testosterone-lowering strategies have not worked need an effective intervention to address the cancer and prevent progression to metastatic disease.
Orion’s stock is performing well based on news of this collaboration. In addition to the upfront payment, Bayer will also pay development, tech transfer and commercialization milestones. Assuming that development is successful, Bayer will commercialize the drug globally and Orion will manufacture it. Orion also has the right to co-market ODM-201 in Europe once its approved.