November 30, 2005 -- BioCryst signed a major deal with Roche for an early-stage drug that suppresses immune reactions. Roche paid BioCryst $25 million upfront for an exclusive license to develop BCX-4208, a purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) inhibitor that aims to modulate T-cell activity. There are another $530 million in milestones, plus royalties if the drug is commercialized. The first application for the drug will be to prevent rejection in transplants. It will also be studied as a treatment for autoimmune diseases. Company officials say that the drug distinguishes itself because it has fewer side-effect issues than other immune-suppressant drugs. We look at the deal, the drug, and the other activity at BioCryst...
