Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Johnson & Johnson company, has entered into an exclusive worldwide license and collaboration agreement with Achillion Pharmaceuticals to develop and commercialize one or more of Achillion’s lead hepatitis C virus (HCV) assets, which include ACH-3102, ACH-3422 and sovaprevir. 
 
The companies will work to develop a short-duration, highly effective, pan-genotypic, oral regimen for the treatment of HCV. Achillion’s ACH-3102, an NS5A inhibitor currently in Phase II studies has been granted Fast Track designation by the FDA. An initial regimen will explore the combination with an NS3/4A HCV protease inhibitor plus an NS5B HCV polymerase inhibitor from the collaboration. 
 
Janssen will have an exclusive, worldwide license to develop and commercialize HCV products and regimens containing one or more of the licensed HCV assets. Achillion will be eligible to receive development milestones and royalties on future worldwide sales. 
 
“Despite recent treatment advances, there remain significant unmet needs to effectively address the burden which hepatitis C inflicts on both patients and society. Janssen is committed to optimizing outcomes and the new collaboration with Achillion offers the potential to develop a new, simplified treatment option for those affected by hepatitis C,” said Lawrence M. Blatt, Ph.D., global therapeutic area head, Janssen Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, and president and chief executive officer of Alios BioPharma, Inc.
 
In addition, and separate to the collaboration arrangement, Johnson & Johnson Innovation, Inc. will make an equity investment in Achillion. The transactions are subject to customary closing conditions.