RSV Licence assigned to AstraZeneca

Biota Holdings Limited and AstraZeneca say the 2005 collaboration and license agreement with MedImmune has been assigned to AstraZeneca.

AstraZeneca has also secured the rights to a number of Asian and Pacific territories not held by MedImmune under the original agreement and for which Biota will receive an additional $3.5 million payment, plus future royalties.

The agreement relates to a series of antivirals aimed at the treatment of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

The assignment of the agreement results in part from AstraZeneca’s acquisition of MedImmune in 2007.

Under the agreement, all existing milestone and royalty entitlements are preserved and Biota's research and development program has been extended.

The lead candidate BTA9881 entered Phase I clinical trials in July 2007, which are continuing.