Royalty Pharma and Syndax Pharmaceuticals Enter Into $350 Million Royalty Funding Agreement for Niktimvo
Proceeds expected to support the upcoming planned launches and fund the continued development of Niktimvo and revumenib
Expected to fund Syndax through profitability; proforma cash approaching $800 million as of June 30
NEW YORK and WALTHAM, Mass., Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Royalty Pharma plc (NASDAQ:RPRX) and Syndax Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:SNDX) today announced that Royalty Pharma has entered into a $350 million synthetic royalty funding agreement with Syndax based on U.S. net sales of Niktimvo (axatilimab-csfr).
"We are excited to partner with Syndax, an innovative oncology company with an exciting pipeline" said Pablo Legorreta, founder and CEO of Royalty Pharma. "Niktimvo is a first-in-class product that has the potential to address the serious and devastating complications associated with chronic GVHD, where there is clear unmet need for additional treatment options. We look forward to Syndax and their partner Incyte launching Niktimvo soon and bringing this important medicine to GVHD patients."
"We expect this transaction to fund us through profitability, while ensuring that we continue to participate in the profits from Niktimvo and retain the upside of its future growth. With this significant infusion of capital, we are well positioned to successfully launch two first-in-class medicines and expand their opportunity with additional indications," said Michael A. Metzger, Chief Executive Officer of Syndax. "Royalty Pharma shares our belief that Niktimvo can create significant value as a new treatment option for patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and recognizes its multi-billion-dollar franchise potential."
Under the terms of the agreement, Syndax received an upfront payment of $350 million in exchange for a 13.8% royalty on U.S. net sales of Niktimvo. Royalty payments to Royalty Pharma will cease upon reaching a multiple of 2.35x.
Advisors
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP and Dechert LLP acted as legal advisors to Royalty Pharma. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC acted as exclusive financial advisor and Cooley LLP acted as legal advisors to Syndax on the transaction.
About Niktimvo™ (axatilimab-csfr)
Niktimvo (axatilimab-csfr) is a first-in-class anti-CSF-1R antibody approved for use in the U.S. for the treatment of chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after failure of at least two prior lines of systemic therapy in adult and pediatric patients weighing at least 40 kg (88.2 lbs).
In the U.S., Niktimvo will be co-commercialized by Syndax and Incyte. Incyte has exclusive commercialization rights for Niktimvo outside of the U.S. Syndax anticipates that Niktimvo will be launched in the U.S. no later than early first quarter 2025.
In 2016, Syndax licensed exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize axatilimab from UCB. In September 2021, Syndax and Incyte entered into an exclusive worldwide co-development and co-commercialization license agreement for axatilimab in chronic GVHD and any future indications.
Axatilimab is being studied in frontline combination trials in chronic GVHD, a Phase 2 combination trial with ruxolitinib (NCT06388564) is underway and a Phase 3 combination trial with steroids is in preparation. Axatilimab is also being studied in an ongoing Phase 2 trial in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (NCT06132256).
Niktimvo is a trademark of Incyte.All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Important Safety InformationWarnings and PrecautionsInfusion-Related Reactions
Niktimvo™ (axatilimab-csfr) can cause infusion-related reactions. Infusion-related reactions, including hypersensitivity reactions, occurred in 18% of patients who received Niktimvo in the clinical trial (AGAVE-201), with Grade 3 or 4 reactions in 1.3%.
Premedicate with an antihistamine and an antipyretic for patients who have previously experienced an infusion-related reaction to Niktimvo. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infusion-related reactions, including fever, chills, rash, flushing, dyspnea, and hypertension. Interrupt or slow the rate of infusion or permanently discontinue Niktimvo based on severity of the reaction.
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity
Based on its mechanism of action, Niktimvo may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to the fetus. Advise females ...
