Gilead, Yuhan collaborate to develop NASH fibrosis therapeutics

Gilead Sciences and Yuhan Corporation have entered into a licensing and collaboration agreement to co-develop novel therapeutic candidates for the treatment of advanced fibrosis due to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, according to a press release.

“This collaboration builds on our long-term partnership with Yuhan, with a new focus on the investigation of novel approaches to treat patients with advanced fibrosis due to NASH that complement our ongoing research programs,” John McHutchison, MD, AO, chief scientific officer and head of research and development at Gilead Sciences, said in the release. “We look forward to working with the Yuhan team to advance our work in this area where there is a significant unmet need for patients.”

According to the agreement, Gilead will acquire global rights to develop and commercialize novel small molecules against two undisclosed targets, except for the Republic of Korea. Yuhan will retain certain commercialization rights.

The two companies will jointly conduct preclinical research with Gilead leading global clinical development.

“I am very pleased by this collaboration, which significantly expands and deepens our longstanding, trusted partnership with Gilead,” Jung Hee Lee, president and CEO of Yuhan, said in the release. “We are confident that Gilead’s expertise in liver disease will accelerate the development of our novel agents. As a company, we are committed to investigating new therapeutics to improve the lives of patients with NASH.”

Reference: www.gilead.com

Disclosures: McHutchison is employed by Gilead. Lee is employed by Yuhan.