Alisporivir program rights returned to Debiopharm

Debiopharm Group has regained all rights to Alisporivir, a cyclophilin inhibitor being investigated for the treatment of hepatitis C virus infection, as a result of a new agreement between the pharmaceutical company and Novartis, according to a news release from the company.

Alisporivir (DEB025, Debiopharm) is currently undergoing two phase 2 clinical trials of therapy without interferon for HCV, and has already been tested in over 2,000 patients, according to the release.

“Novartis has decided that, as part of an ongoing portfolio transformation, hepatitis C virus-related indications would no longer be a strategic focus for them,” Thierry Mauvernay, Delegate of the Board of Debiopharm Group, said in the release. “We appreciate Novartis’ rapid agreement to return the Alisporivir program to us promptly and in good order. We are looking forward to continuing the development of this exciting molecule in one or more indications and we have already started discussing with potential partners.”

The release stated that Debiopharm and Novartis entered into a partnership for the development of alisporivir in January 2010, which allowed for the current transfer of ongoing alisporivir phase 2 clinical trials to Debiopharm. The new agreement also transfers all rights for HCV and other indications for the drug.