Novo Nordisk A/S and Innate Pharma have reached an agreement by which Innate Pharma is granted development and commercialisation rights to NN1975/IPH 2101 in exchange for EUR 2.5 million upfront payment, milestone payments and royalties on future sales of IPH 2101. In addition, Novo Nordisk receives fully paid-up exclusive rights to NN8555/IPH 2301.
NN1975/IPH 2101 is a monoclonal antibody targeting inhibitory receptors (KIR) on natural killer cells, with a novel mechanism of action; it is currently in two phase 1 clinical trials in haematological cancers.
NN8555/IPH 2301 is a monoclonal antibody targeting natural killer cells and certain T cells, with a novel mechanism of action; it is currently in preclinical research within the area of inflammation.
The agreement is in line with Novo Nordisk's decision to exit the oncology area and increase its activities within inflammation as communicated in the company's Financial Statement for 2007, issued on 31 January 2008.
Novo Nordisk remains the single largest shareholder of Innate Pharma.
About Novo Nordisk
Novo Nordisk is a healthcare company and a world leader in diabetes care. In addition, Novo Nordisk has a leading position within areas such as haemostasis management, growth hormone therapy and hormone replacement therapy. Novo Nordisk manufactures and markets pharmaceutical products and services that make a significant difference to patients, the medical profession and society. With headquarters in Denmark, Novo Nordisk employs approximately 26,550 employees in 80 countries, and markets its products in 179 countries. Novo Nordisk's B shares are listed on the stock exchanges in Copenhagen and London. Its ADRs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol 'NVO'. For more information, visit www.novonordisk.com.