Celladon Announces Option Agreement with Servier

Celladon Corporation, a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel therapies by applying its leadership position in the field of SERCA enzymes, has announced that Celladon and Servier have entered into an option agreement for a potential worldwide ex-US research collaboration and licence agreement for the discovery and development of novel SERCA2b modulators for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and other metabolic diseases. The collaboration would leverage Celladon’s novel compounds and proprietary assays and screening technology for isolation of small molecule modulators of SERCA enzymes.

Under the terms of the agreement, Celladon has granted Servier an exclusive option to license the worldwide, ex-US, rights to the small molecule programme in the field of diabetes and other metabolic disorders for a certain period. Servier’s decision to exercise its option will be based upon the outcome of a series of pre-defined in vitro and in vivo studies to be performed by the parties. In the event Servier exercises its option, Celladon would receive certain upfront, research support and milestone payments, as well as royalties on sales. Celladon and Servier would jointly support the discovery effort, while Servier would be primarily responsible for all costs associated in and for its territory with a global development plan, as well as ex-US regulatory approval and commercialization of any compound selected as a lead candidate.

Celladon would retain all US rights to any compounds and lead candidates developed through this collaboration and license agreement.