GPC Biotech licensed the exclusive commercial rights to satraplatin, including the right to sublicense, from Spectrum Pharmaceuticals in 2002. In December 2005, GPC Biotech signed a co-development and license agreement with Pharmion Corporation for Europe, Turkey, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand. Pharmion was acquired by Celgene Corporation in 2007. In August 2008, following Celgene’s decision to withdraw the MAA for satraplatin in Europe, Celgene informed GPC Biotech that it planned to terminate its agreement for satraplatin.
GPC Biotech will regain rights to satraplatin for all Celgene territories.
Alliance with Yakult for Japan
In June 2007, GPC Biotech entered into a license agreement with Yakult Honsha Co. Ltd. for satraplatin in Japan. Yakult’s pharmaceutical business specializes in cancer and cancer-related ailments and has expanded its operations in this area. They are the inventor of irinotecan, which is a global standard drug for colorectal cancer, and have a solid track record of successfully commercializing another platinum-based drug, oxaliplatin, in Japan.
• Upfront payment of ¥1.2 billion (~$10 million) to GPC Biotech as reimbursement for past satraplatin clinical development expenses.
• Yakult responsible for all development, marketing and sales costs for Japan
• Additional undisclosed payments based on the achievement of certain regulatory filing and approval milestones
• GPC Biotech to receive a minimum of 21% royalties on sales of satraplatin in Japan
GPC Biotech is discussing the future development of satraplatin with Yakult and expects to determine next steps in the near future.
