Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc. has expanded its license with Sermonix Pharmaceuticals to include worldwide rights to develop and commercialize oral lasofoxifene. Ligand originally licensed U.S. rights to Sermonix in February of 2015. Sermonix is focused on breast and ovarian cancer treatment with oral lasofoxifene, particularly an indication in the treatment of advanced Estrogen Receptor positive (ER+) endocrine-resistant breast cancer.

“Lasofoxifene is an asset with a rich heritage originating at Ligand and with a substantial set of global clinical data. This agreement with Sermonix represents an expansion of our relationship and enables further development of oral lasofoxifene on a worldwide basis,” said John Higgins, chief executive officer of Ligand Pharmaceuticals. “This amendment includes an upfront payment, additional commercial milestones and 6% to 10% royalties on ex-US sales and is consistent with our shots-on-goal business model of partnering the development of our assets to create a robust pipeline with limited required R&D spending by Ligand.”