Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc. has entered into commercial License and Supply Agreements with Marinus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., granting rights to use Captisol in the formulation of its intravenous (IV) ganaxolone. Captisol is a chemically modified cyclodextrin designed to optimize the solubility and stability of drugs. Marinus will initiate clinical trials with Captisol-enabled ganaxolone IV in patients with postpartum depression (PPD) and status epilepticus (SE).
 
This License Agreement replaces the prior research agreement allowing Marinus to evaluate ganaxolone IV with Captisol in preclinical and Phase I studies. Under the new agreement, Marinus has exclusive worldwide rights to Captisol-enabled ganaxolone for use in humans. Ligand will receive an upfront payment and is eligible for milestones and royalties from future sales.

“This agreement allows Captisol-enabled ganaxolone to go into later-stage testing and potential commercialization in indications that have significant unmet clinical needs,” said John Higgins, chief executive officer of Ligand Pharmaceuticals. “Ligand’s portfolio of fully-funded shots on goal continues to grow and contains a large number of Captisol-enabled drugs. We continue to be encouraged by the recent progress of our partners, including Marinus.”

“Ganaxolone IV formulated with Captisol has produced a good safety, tolerability, and toxicity profile in preclinical and Phase I testing,” commented Christopher M. Cashman, president and chief executive officer of Marinus Pharmaceuticals. “We look forward to moving ganaxolone IV into Phase II clinical trials in patients with PPD and SE this year.”