TWi Biotechnology, and Castle Creek Pharmaceuticals (CCP) have entered into a development and commercialization agreement for its lead drug candidate AC-203, which is currently in development for the treatment of epidermolysis bullosa (EB). TWiB grants to CCP an exclusive license of AC-203, covering a worldwide territory with the exception of Asia but including Australia and New Zealand, to develop, register and commercialize AC-203. TWiB is eligible to receive an upfront payment and milestone payments based on achievement of predefined clinical and regulatory events and will receive double-digit royalties after product launch. TWiB and CCP will collaborate globally for AC-203 product development in any other future indications.

“We are very pleased to enter into the collaboration with CCP for AC-203. With their expertise and capabilities in orphan drug development, CCP is the ideal partner to rapidly advance these promising candidates to the clinic and, ultimately, bring new treatments to EB patients,” said Calvin Chen, president and chief executive officer, TWiB.

Michael Derby, chief executive officer, CCP, said, “We are excited to begin work on a promising new therapy for the treatment of EB, and to expand on the progress already made by TWiB. EB patients are in dire need of new therapies and AC-203 represents a potential breakthrough in the treatment of this devastating disease.”