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Santhera Finds ‘Elegant Solution’ For Its Finances With Catalyst DMD Drug Deal

US Rights To Vamorolone Licensed For $90m Upfront

 
• By Kevin Grogan

The Swiss rare diseases firm Santhera has signed a licensing deal for its Duchenne muscular dystrophy drug vamorolone, which could be launched in both the US and the EU by the end of the year, paying off short-term debt and cleaning up the balance sheet.

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Dario Eklund • Source: Santhera

With regulatory decisions imminent on both sides of the Atlantic for vamorolone, Santhera Pharmaceuticals has secured a North America partner for the closely watched Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) therapy while banking a healthy upfront payment.

The Swiss group has signed a license and collaboration agreement for vamorolone with Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. covering the US, Canada and Mexico which will see Santhera receive $90m upfront ($75m in cash and a $15m equity investment)

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