SurModics inks license & development pact with Roche & Genentech

SurModics, Inc, a leading provider of drug delivery and surface modification technologies to the healthcare industry, has signed a license and development agreement with Roche and Genentech, Inc, a wholly-owned member of the Roche Group. Under this agreement, Roche and Genentech have obtained an exclusive license to use SurModics' proprietary biodegradable microparticles drug delivery system to develop and commercialize a sustained drug delivery formulation of Lucentis (ranibizumab injection). The agreement further provides Roche and Genentech with opportunities to develop additional compounds for the treatment of ophthalmic diseases.

Under the terms of the agreement, SurModics will receive an up-front licensing fee of $3.5 million. In addition, SurModics could be eligible to receive up to approximately $200 million in fees and milestone payments in the event of the successful development and commercialization of multiple products. Roche and Genentech will pay SurModics for its development services and have the right to obtain manufacturing services from SurModics. Also, SurModics will receive undisclosed royalties on product sales.