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In Novartis, Conatus Lands Experienced, Deep-Pocketed NASH Partner

 
• By Joseph Haas

Biotech gets $50m up front, up to $650m in milestones, significant royalties and the option to co-promote emricasan in NASH in the US. Novartis also may combine the caspase inhibitor with its Phase II FXR agonist.

The broad-based competition in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) took another turn Dec. 19, as Conatus Pharmaceuticals Inc. signed an option, collaboration and commercialization agreement with Novartis AG around its caspase inhibitor emricasan, currently in Phase IIb for both NASH cirrhosis and NASH fibrosis.

The deal brings Conatus $50m up front, a convertible loan of up to $15m from Novartis, a $7m exercise fee if the pharma elects its option on emricasan and up...

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• By Joseph Haas

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More from Business

Loss Of Exclusivity Product Launches To Fuel Aurobindo’s FY26 Europe Growth

 
• By Vibha Ravi

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In Brief: Nicox Extends Cash Runway As Kowa Advances NCX 470 In Japan

 
• By Sushmita Panda

Eye drug is already in Phase III trials elsewhere, with results due in Q3. Nicox could earn up to a further €24.5m in milestones and royalties from Kowa alliance.