Leo Pharma and PellePharm sign rare disease deal

Denmark-based Leo Pharma and Californian rare disease company PellePharm have partnered to develop and commercialise therapies for rare forms of skin cancer.

Under the collaboration, which was announced on Tuesday, November 20, the companies will work together to develop therapies for patients with life-altering conditions, such as Gorlin Syndrome and High Frequency Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), two distinct and rare forms of skin cancer.

Leo Pharma has committed $70 million to fund the global Phase 3 trial for patidegib topical gel for the prevention and treatment of Gorlin Syndrome, a condition in which many people develop a type of skin cancer called basal cell cancers of the skin.

The Danish dermatology specialist has also acquired a minority stake in PellePharm.

Thorsten Thormann, vice president of research at Leo Pharma, said: “Supporting our ambitious 2025 strategy, it marks Leo Pharma’s entrance in rare skin diseases and it offers a unique opportunity to bring the first treatment forward to people suffering from a very severe skin disease for which there currently are no approved therapies.”

The agreement establishes a joint development committee with PellePharm maintaining responsibility for global development and LEO Pharma supporting in an advising role.

Sanuj Ravindran, president and CEO of PellePharm, added: “As a global leader in medical dermatology, Leo Pharma is a great fit as both a development and commercialisation partner. This collaboration puts us on track to commence our pivotal Phase 3 Gorlin Syndrome trial in early 2019.

Did you enjoy reading this story?  Sign up to our free newsletters and get stories like this sent straight to your inbox.