Puma Biotechnology and Pierre Fabre Amend NERLYNX® License Agreement to Include Greater China

Rhea-AI Summary

Puma Biotechnology, Inc. (Nasdaq: PBYI) and Pierre Fabre have amended their 2019 license agreement to include commercial rights for NERLYNX® (neratinib) in Greater China, expanding the existing European, Turkey, Middle East, and Africa rights. Puma will receive a $50 million upfront payment, plus potential milestone payments up to $240 million based on performance in Greater China. Concurrently, Puma has terminated its previous agreement with CANbridge Pharmaceuticals for the same region, paying a $20 million fee.

Positive

• Puma receives a $50 million upfront payment and could earn up to $240 million in milestone payments.
• Expansion of NERLYNX rights into Greater China could significantly enhance revenue opportunities.
• Double-digit tiered royalties on NERLYNX sales in Greater China potential for recurring revenue.

Negative

• Termination of the CANbridge agreement involves a $20 million fee, impacting short-term cash flow.
• Potential market competition in Greater China may affect sales performance.

Puma Biotechnology, Inc. (Nasdaq: PBYI), a biopharmaceutical company, and Pierre Fabre, a leading French pharmaceutical company, have agreed to extend the terms of the 2019 license agreement which grants Pierre Fabre exclusive rights to develop and commercialize NERLYNX® (neratinib) within Europe, Turkey, Middle East and Africa. The amended agreement extends Pierre Fabre’s commercial rights for NERLYNX to Greater China, which includes mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau.

Under the terms of the amendment, Puma will receive an upfront payment of $50 million, as well as additional regulatory and sales-based milestone payments that could add up to an additional $240 million. These milestones will be based solely on regulatory and sales achievements in Greater China. In addition, Puma will receive significant double-digit tiered royalties on the sales of NERLYNX in Greater China.

Concomitantly, Puma and CANbridge Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing drug candidates in China and North Asia, have mutually agreed to terminate the license agreement to commercialize NERLYNX (neratinib) in Greater China. Puma has agreed to pay CANbridge a one-time termination fee of $20 million to return all rights to neratinib in Greater China back to Puma. Additionally, Puma has agreed to dismiss the arbitration demand it filed on July 28, 2020 against CANbridge related to the parties’ 2018 license agreement, and as part of the settlement, CANbridge has agreed to dismiss its counterclaims against Puma. Such settlement is limited to claims that arose in arbitration, or could have been raised in arbitration, as well as claims arising under the to be terminated license agreement.

Alan H. Auerbach, Chief Executive Officer and President of Puma, said, “We are pleased to extend our collaboration with Pierre Fabre into the Greater China region. Pierre Fabre is well equipped with existing infrastructure to make NERLYNX a success in mainland China and Pierre Fabre plans to make NERLYNX available to breast cancer patients in mainland China in the second quarter of this year.”

“We are excited about the opportunity to provide NERLYNX to Chinese patients with early stage HER2-positive breast cancer,” said Jean-Luc Lowinsky, Chief Executive Officer, Pierre Fabre Pharmaceuticals. “Our oncology team based in Shanghai is fully committed to start the commercialization of NERLYNX, which perfectly complements our existing NAVELBINE chemotherapy in breast and lung cancers.”

Neratinib is approved in the United States for both the extended adjuvant treatment of adult patients with early stage HER2-positive breast cancer following adjuvant trastuzumab-based therapy and for adult patients with advanced or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer in combination with capecitabine in patients who have received two or more pr

FAQ

What is the significance of Puma's agreement with Pierre Fabre regarding NERLYNX in Greater China?

The agreement allows Puma to expand NERLYNX's reach in Greater China, potentially increasing revenue through upfront payments and future sales.

What payments will Puma Biotechnology receive from Pierre Fabre for NERLYNX?

Puma will receive a $50 million upfront payment, potential milestone payments up to $240 million, and tiered royalties on sales.

Why did Puma Biotechnology terminate its agreement with CANbridge Pharmaceuticals?

Puma terminated the agreement to regain rights to NERLYNX in Greater China, paying a one-time $20 million termination fee.

How might Puma's agreement with Pierre Fabre impact its stock (PBYI)?

The agreement could positively impact PBYI's stock by potentially increasing revenue and market presence in Asia.

What are the expected benefits of NERLYNX being available in China?

Providing NERLYNX to Chinese patients with HER2-positive breast cancer could improve patient outcomes and increase sales for Puma.