Gilead licenses respiratory, herpes antiviral research programs from Novartis

Under the agreement, Gilead will acquire exclusive global rights to develop and commercialize novel small molecules against three undisclosed targets.

New Delhi: Gilead Sciences, Inc. has announced recently that it has licensed three preclinical antiviral programs from Novartis, including investigational agents with the potential to treat human rhinovirus, influenza and herpes viruses.

Under the agreement, Gilead will acquire exclusive global rights to develop and commercialize novel small molecules against three undisclosed targets. Novartis will receive an upfront payment and is eligible to receive up to an additional $291 million in potential milestone payments upon achievement of certain development and commercial milestones, as well as royalties on annual net sales.

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Commenting on the same, John McHutchison AO, MD, Gilead's Chief Scientific Officer and Head of Research and Development said, "Today's announcement builds on Gilead's heritage in antiviral research and development. We look forward to applying this expertise to advance the development of potential new treatments for viruses with limited therapeutic options."

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