Lpath Grants Pfizer Exclusive Option for Worldwide License for iSONEP

iSONEP is scheduled to begin a Phase 1b clinical trial in wet AMD patients with Pigment Epithelial Detachment (PED), a complication of wet AMD, in the first quarter of 2011 and a Phase 2a clinical trial in wet AMD patients in the second quarter of 2011.

Generated via Lpath's proprietary ImmuneY2™ drug-discovery platform, iSONEP is a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds and neutralizes the bioactive lipid, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P). Targeting S1P is a novel approach to address serious unmet medical needs in wet AMD, a condition that affects millions worldwide. In iSONEP's completed phase I trial in wet AMD patients, several subjects showed signs of biological activity, including lesion regression and complete resolution of PED.

Under the terms of the agreement, Pfizer will provide Lpath with an upfront option payment of $14 million in addition to sharing the cost of the planned Phase 1b and Phase 2a trials. Following completion of the two studies, Pfizer has the right to exercise its option for worldwide rights to iSONEP for an undisclosed option fee and, if Pfizer exercises its option, Lpath will be eligible to receive development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments that could total up to $497.5 million; in addition, Lpath will be entitled to receive tiered double-digit royalties based on sales of iSONEP. As part of the agreement, Lpath has granted to Pfizer a time-limited right of first refusal for ASONEP™, Lpath's product candidate that is being evaluated for the treatment of cancer. Two Phase 2a trials are currently planned to further assess ASONEP's efficacy and safety in cancer patients.

"We have been impressed by Lpath's innovative approach in targeting bioactive lipids with iSONEP and the potential opportunity to significantly add to current standards of treatment in retinal disease," said Mikael Dolsten, president of Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development.
"This risk sharing collaboration is led by our External Research Unit, whose mission is to develop high-impact medicines leveraging a virtual R&D model. We look forward to building the External Research Unit's portfolio through additional innovative deals with prospective future partners," added Uwe Schoenbeck, Pfizer's VP and CSO of External R&D Innovation.

"We are thrilled to partner with Pfizer, a company that has demonstrated a commitment to innovative solutions and partnerships for the development of treatments across a wide spectrum of disease," said Scott Pancoast, chief executive officer of Lpath. "As we work with the Pfizer team to advance iSONEP through the next stage of clinical development, we expect to further demonstrate the important role that bioactive lipids play in disease processes. Lpath's unique ability to generate monoclonal antibodies to these targets presents a wealth of potential opportunity for new and innovative medicines over time."