Medivir acquires all rights in the Cathepsin S project from US partner Peptimmune

Medivir AB, a publicly traded pharmaceutical company based in Sweden and UK, has acquired all project rights for the development of Cathepsin S inhibitors from its former world-wide partner Peptimmune Inc. As a result of the transaction, Medivir has eliminated Peptimmune’s partnership funding imbalance, and will provide Peptimmune a royalty on Medivir’s future income from its Cathepsin S inhibitors. “The acquisition of the Cathepsin S project is consistent with Medivir’s ambition to enhance the commercial potential of our protease inhibitor portfolio. The opportunity to acquire all outstanding rights without impacting Medivir’s cash flow is, of course, very attractive”, says Medivir’s CEO Lars Adlersson. The project aims to develop a pharmaceutical for autoimmune and allergic disorders; based on the inhibition of the protease enzyme Cathepsin S. Medivir has developed several series of highly potent and selective compounds that have demonstrated efficacy in pre-clinical models of rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. One candidate drug (CD) has already been selected and optimization of compounds is underway for selection of one or more further CDs. ”This agreement allows Peptimmune to focus on our core development programs in Obesity, Multiple Sclerosis and Pemphigus Vulgaris. We believe that Medivir’s leadership in protease inhibitor development and resources will successfully drive the Cathepsin S project towards the market as an important therapy for autoimmune diseases” commented Peptimmune’s CEO Thomas Mathers. For additional information; please contact Medivir: Rein Piir, CFO & VP, Investor Relations; +46 8 546 831 23 or +46 708 537 292 Peptimmune: Thomas Mathers, CEO; +1 617 715 8040 or tom.mathers@peptimmune.com