Brickell Biotech Announces Licensing Agreement for Its Novel Retinoid Therapy with Merz North America
MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Brickell Biotech, Inc. (“Brickell“), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on the development of differentiated, innovative therapeutics to satisfy current unmet human needs in the global dermatology markets, today announced that it has entered into a license agreement with Merz North America, Inc. (“Merz”). The agreement grants Merz an exclusive North American license, with certain additional international rights, to develop and commercialize a completely novel retinoid compound, BBI-3000, for the treatment of skin conditions known to be responsive to retinoid agents, such as acne and psoriasis.
Under the terms of the agreement, Merz will assume the full cost and responsibility for future development and commercialization of the compound, initially for North America. The specific terms of the agreement, including upfront and milestone payments, remain confidential. Triad Healthcare Partners, a division of Triad Securities Corp., served as financial adviser to Brickell Biotech on this transaction.
Andy Sklawer, Vice President of Brickell said, “We are very pleased to license our compound to a leading specialty healthcare company like Merz, which is the US leader in topical antifungal treatments and has a strong reputation in the dermatology space for providing patients and physicians with excellent, effective medical products. This deal is validation of Brickell Biotech’s efficient drug development model and our ability to identify and develop novel compounds in the medical dermatology space."
In preclinical studies performed by Brickell, BBI-3000 displayed activity that differentiated it from the leading topical retinoids currently available on the market. In medical dermatology, topical retinoids are typically indicated for treatment of acne and/or psoriasis and are available on the market as monotherapy or combination therapy.
Other promising dermatology compounds in Brickell’s pipeline include BBI-4000, a new chemical entity to treat hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), a condition with tremendous unmet therapeutic need, and BBI-2111, a novel, first-in-class topical anti-inflammatory molecule to treat atopic dermatitis. In addition, Brickell continues to evaluate new, differentiated product candidates for further development.
About Brickell Biotech
Brickell Biotech, Inc. is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative pharmaceutical products for the treatment of skin diseases.
Founded by a team of experienced pharmaceutical executives, Brickell’s development strategy includes rapidly and cost effectively developing product candidates; executing strategic partnerships; maintaining a diversified product portfolio that addresses unmet medical needs; and leveraging professional relationships with thought leaders and contract research organizations in the pharmaceutical industry. For more information, visit www.brickellbio.com.
Anne Granfield
646-805-2033
anne.granfield@rlmfinsbury.com
Source: Brickell Biotech, Inc.
Released June 30, 2014