Janssen Biotech, Inc., a Johnson & Johnson company, has entered a worldwide collaboration and license agreement with TESARO, Inc., for exclusive rights to the investigational compound niraparib in prostate cancer. Niraparib is an orally administered poly polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, currently in late-stage development for metastatic breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
 
Janssen will have global rights and will be responsible for all development and commercialization activities for niraparib for use in prostate cancer, except in Japan. TESARO will maintain global development, manufacturing and commercial rights for all other indications.
 
In addition to an upfront payment, TESARO will be eligible to receive development, regulatory and commercial milestones, as well as royalties on future worldwide sales. Also, Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JJDC, Inc. will make an equity investment in TESARO.
 
“PARP inhibitors are an exciting, emerging class of medicines in prostate cancer, and we believe niraparib will perfectly complement our existing portfolio,” said Peter F. Lebowitz, M.D., Ph.D., Oncology Therapeutic Area Head, Janssen Research & Development, LLC. “Our team is eager to apply its prostate cancer expertise to niraparib, and enthusiastic about its potential to expand our impact on the lives of men with this disease.”