MELBOURNE, Australia — Avecho Biotechnology Limited signed an exclusive ten-year development and licensing agreement with Sandoz Group AG for the commercial rights to Avecho’s Phase III cannabidiol (CBD) capsule for insomnia in Australia. Avecho retains the rights to commercialise the product in all other territories, with Sandoz granted a first right of refusal for these markets.
Avecho’s CBD capsule aims to be the first pharmaceutical CBD product registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (“TGA”) as an over-the-counter medicine, which market forecasts predict could generate sales surpassing US$125M per annum in Australia.
Sandoz agreed to an upfront licensing fee of US$3M (approx. AUS$4.8M) for the exclusive commercial rights to the CBD product for insomnia in Australia. Avecho will continue to fund and oversee the ongoing Phase III clinical trial. Upon successful completion, Avecho and Sandoz will collaborate to secure TGA regulatory approval. Sandoz will purchase finished product from Avecho and assume responsibility for the product’s commercialisation, including marketing and distribution in Australia. Avecho is eligible for development milestone payments totalling US$16M prior to commercialisation and will receive tiered royalties ranging from 14% to 19% on net sales once on market.
Avecho CEO, Dr Paul Gavin, said: “We are excited to announce this partnership with Sandoz, which underscores the commercial potential of Avecho’s drug delivery platform and our shared commitment to deliver innovative insomnia treatments. Nearly 9.5 million Australians experience symptoms of insomnia with approximately 3.6 million of those considered chronic. Sandoz’s extensive reach and expertise in the Australian market will ensures our products are widely accessible to insomnia patients across Australia. This partnership provides Avecho with a strong commercial foundation for success.”
The Agreement as an initial term of 10 years, with automatic extensions for two further renewal terms of two years each, unless terminated by agreement between both parties.
