Prima, Neopharm finalize license deal to market CVac in Israel and Palestine

CVac is a personalized immunocellular therapeutic product and is currently under investigation for the treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer.

The drug is intended to stimulate the immune system to target and destroy tumors and the treatment is custom manufactured for each patient.

It is a cancer vaccine product consisting of an adjuvant, mannan, attached to a tumor cell surface protein, mucin 1 and is administered as intradermal injection.

The company’s manufacturing process is intended to provide for a one year course of CVac treatment from one blood collection (leukapheresis) from the patient.

CVac is in Phase II clinical trials for the treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer patients in remission and the company is soon starting a pilot clinical trial to evaluate CVac for resected pancreatic cancer.

The company said that main aim of CVac treatment is to extend overall survival for patients.

Under the deal, Neopharm will repay Prima for commercial manufacturing costs of CVac and later both the firms will share net profits from CVac sales in the licensed territory.

Additionally, Prima will also receive small up-front and development milestone payments under the agreement.

Prima CEO Matthew Lehman said the company is happy to finalize its license agreement with Neopharm, which is our first corporate partnership for CVac.

"Neopharm has gained a reputation for its professionalism and performance in marketing drugs manufactured by leading global companies, including various cancer treatments," Lehman said.

Neopharm Group chairman and CEO David Fuhrer said as a company obligated to provide new superior solutions to improve health and quality of life it is constantly seeking to extend its portfolio in breakthrough technologies, in particular in the oncology field.

"We see CVac as an excellent addition to our group’s growing portfolio," Fuhrer said.