Vir Biotechnology is handing off certain commercial rights for its hepatitis D program to European specialty pharma Norgine in a licensing deal that’s worth up to 550 million euros ($645 million) and still leaves the untapped U.S. market to Vir. Norgine will shell out 55 million euros ($64 million) upfront for the prospective chronic hepatitis delta (hepatitis D or HDV) combo of Vir’s monoclonal antibody tobevibart and Alnylam-discovered siRNA elebsiran. The deal also puts Vir in line for up to 495 million euros ($581 million) in clinical, regulatory and sales milestones, plus tiered royalties from Norgine’s licensed sales territories in Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Vir, meanwhile, will retain all commercialization rights in the U.S. and other markets outside of the greater China territory, according to a Tuesday press release. The two companies will share clinical development costs for Vir’s ongoing Eclipse trial program, with Norgine responsible for about 25% of external costs going forward.

Full report : Norgine enhances hepatology and specialty portfolio through exclusive in-licensing agreement with Vir Biotechnology.