ZIOPHARM, Solasia Pharma ink license deal for darinaparsin

Darinaparsin is a new mitochondrial-targeted agent under development for the treatment of several hematologic and solid cancers.

As part of the amended and restated deal, Solasia secured exclusive worldwide license from ZIOPHARM to develop and commercialize darinaparsin, and related organoarsenic molecules, in both intravenous and oral forms in all indications for human use.

In return, ZIOPHARM will be eligible to receive up to $72.2m in development and sales-based milestones, a royalty on net sales of darinaparsin, once commercialized, and a percentage of any sublicense revenues generated by Solasia.

Solasia will be responsible for all costs related to the development, manufacturing and commercialization of darinaparsin.

The new agreement amends and restates a 2011 agreement between the two companies under which ZIOPHARM granted Solasia exclusive rights to darinaparsin in Japan, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Republic of Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand.

The drug has granted orphan drug designation in the US and Europe as a treatment of peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL).

ZIOPHARM chief executive officer Jonathan Lewis said as the company’s strategic focus has shifted exclusively toward DNA therapeutics and immuno-oncology, Solasia, with whom it has had a longstanding partnership, is the natural choice to advance the development of darinaparsin on a global basis.

"Through a collaboration that began in 2011, Solasia has built a meaningful scientific and clinical understanding of darinaparsin, providing a strong foundation for realizing its long-term clinical value," Lewis said.

"Further, by expanding this agreement to all global territories, there exists now an additional strong incentive for Solasia to rapidly and strategically develop this potentially important product candidate in areas of unmet medical need in oncology."