Halozyme And Roche Enter Agreement For The Application Of Enhanze, A Novel Technolog To Improve Drug Delivery

Berkley, CA and Basel, Switzerland – Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. and Roche announced they have entered into an agreement to apply Halozyme's proprietary Enhanze Technology to Roche's biological therapeutic compounds. Enhanze Technology is Halozyme's proprietary drug delivery technology based on its recombinant human hyaluronidase (rHuPH20). rHuPH20 is an analogue of a human enzyme that temporarily clears space in the matrix of tissues such as skin. This clearing activity should allow rHuPH20 to improve drug delivery by enhancing the entry of therapeutic molecules through the subcutaneous space.

"Roche is a global leader in the development of biologics and we are excited to be applying our rHuPH20 technology to this area with Roche compounds," said Jonathan Lim, MD, Halozyme's President and CEO. "We believe that our technology can enhance the clinical benefits that biologics have already been shown to provide. In every respect, both technically and commercially, this represents a landmark agreement for Enhanze Technology and for Halozyme."

"We are looking forward to working together with Halozyme using their rHuPH20 technology," said Peter Hug, Roche's Global Head of Pharma Partnering. "The potential to improve the administration and bioavailability of subcutaneous medicines presents an important advance to make a difference to patients' lives."

Halozyme Roche Collaboration

Under the terms of the agreement, Roche will pay Halozyme $20 million as an initial upfront payment for the application of rHuPH20 to three pre-defined Roche biologic targets. Over the next ten years, Roche will also have the option to exclusively develop and commercialize rHuPH20 with an additional ten targets. Pending the successful completion of a series of clinical, regulatory, and sales events, Roche may pay Halozyme further milestones which could potentially reach a value of up to $111 million as well as royalties on potential product sales for the first three targets. For each of the additional ten targets, Roche may pay Halozyme further upfront and milestone payments of up to $47 million per target. In addition, the Roche Venture Fund will make an $11 million equity investment, representing approximately 5% of Halozyme's outstanding common stock.

Under the collaboration, Roche will also obtain access to Halozyme's expertise in developing and applying rHuPH20 to Roche targets. Roche will obtain a worldwide, exclusive license to develop and commercialize product combinations of rHuPH20 and Roche target compounds resulting from the collaboration.

SOURCE: Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. and Roche