Allergan and Molecular Partners Enter into Exclusive Alliance

Allergan and Molecular Partners Enter into Exclusive Alliance

Irvine, California, USA / Zurich-Schlieren, Switzerland, August 21, 2012. Allergan, Inc. (NYSE: AGN) and Molecular Partners AG today announced that they have significantly expanded their existing relationship by entering into two separate agreements to discover, develop, and commercialize proprietary therapeutic DARPin™ products for the treatment of serious ophthalmic diseases.

Molecular Partners will receive combined upfront payments of $62.5 million under the two agreements and is eligible to receive additional success-based payments, including up to $1.4 billion in aggregate development, regulatory and sales milestones, and tiered royalties up into the low double-digits for future product sales.

The first agreement is an exclusive license agreement for the design, development and commercialization of a potent dual anti-VEGF-A/PDGF-B DARPin™ (“MP0260”) and its corresponding backups for the treatment of exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and related conditions. Under the license agreement, Allergan and Molecular Partners will work together to develop MP0260 through human proof of concept, at which point Molecular Partners has the option to co-fund Allergan’s development costs in exchange for a significant royalty step up.

The second agreement is an exclusive discovery alliance agreement under which the parties will collaborate to design and develop DARPins against selected targets that are implicated in causing serious diseases of the eye. During the research phase, Allergan has the right to exercise three options to exclusively license collaboration compounds for ophthalmology. Upon execution of each option, Allergan will pay Molecular Partners an option exercise fee and be solely responsible for all downstream development, manufacturing, and commercialization activities.

Scott M. Whitcup, M.D., Executive Vice President, Research and Development, Chief Scientific Officer of Allergan commented: “As a leader in ophthalmology, Allergan is committed to developing new treatments for serious eye diseases like AMD. We look forward to further developing a novel therapy that blocks both VEGF and PDGF, as a potential way to improve vision in patients with wet AMD.”

Christian Zahnd, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Molecular Partners said: “With Allergan we have found the ideal partner to generate a strong pipeline of DARPin-based drug candidates with the goal to treat retinal and other severe ocular diseases. This significant expansion of our agreement together with the fast progress in the ongoing phase IIb development of AGN-150998 / MP0112 is a great validation of the DARPin approach.”

“This is an important step forward in our strategy to build on strong partnerships with the leaders in a therapeutic area” added Patrick Amstutz, Ph.D., Chief Business Officer of Molecular Partners, “DARPins are potent biologics which may address significant unmet medical needs in large patient populations in various disease areas.”

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Notes to editors:

About MP0260

MP0260 is a DARPin™-based, small therapeutic protein with dual activity. It inhibits with high potency and selectivity all relevant forms of the two growth factors vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and platelet-derived growth factor B (PDGF-B). The molecule is currently being explored for its use in wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Its high efficacy and long intravitreal PK have been demonstrated in various preclinical models.

About Molecular Partners AG

Molecular Partners is a privately-owned biotech company focusing on the research, development and commercialization of a novel class of biological drugs known as DARPins. The company is committed to create medicines for diseases with unmet medical need and to dramatically improve existing therapies. DARPins combine the high specificity, selectivity and safety of monoclonal antibodies with many advantages of small molecules, including high stability and low-cost production.

Molecular Partners has established a strong DARPin pipeline which is well differentiated from standard therapeutic approaches. Next to ophthalmology, Molecular Partners is focusing on DARPin drugs in inflammation, oncology and other disease areas. The internal pipeline is expanded by partnered programs with leading pharmaceutical companies. Molecular Partners has established alliances with Allergan and Janssen and other pharmaceutical companies. The company is backed by a strong syndicate of investors and holds a strong patent estate covering all DARPin applications. For more information regarding to Molecular Partners, go to: www.molecularpartners.com.

About Allergan, Inc.

Allergan is a multi-specialty health care company established more than 60 years ago with a commitment to uncover the best of science and develop and deliver innovative and meaningful treatments to help people reach their life’s potential. Today, we have approximately 10,500 highly dedicated and talented employees, global marketing and sales capabilities with a presence in more than 100 countries, a rich and ever-evolving portfolio of pharmaceuticals, biologics, medical devices and over-the-counter consumer products, and state-of-the-art resources in R&D, manufacturing and safety surveillance that help millions of patients see more clearly, move more freely and express themselves more fully. From our beginnings as an eye care company to our focus today on several medical specialties, including eye care, neurosciences, medical aesthetics, medical dermatology, breast aesthetics, obesity intervention and urologics, Allergan is proud to celebrate more than 60 years of medical advances and proud to support the patients and physicians who rely on our products and the employees and communities in which we live and work. For more information regarding Allergan, go to: www.allergan.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements,” including, but not limited to, the statements by Dr. Whitcup and Drs. Zahnd and Amstutz and other statements regarding the discovery and development of DARPin™ products as well as the safety, effectiveness, approvals, adverse events and market potential of DARPin™ products. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from Allergan’s expectations and projections. Risks and uncertainties include, among other things, general industry and pharmaceutical market conditions; technological advances and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in the research and development and regulatory processes; challenges related to product marketing, such as the unpredictability of market acceptance for new products and/or the acceptance of new indications for such products; inconsistency of treatment results among patients; general economic conditions; and governmental laws and regulations affecting domestic and foreign operations. Allergan expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements except as required by law. Additional information concerning the above-referenced risk factors and other risk factors can be found in Allergan’s public periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the discussion under the heading “Risk Factors” in Allergan’s 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Additional information about Allergan is available at www.allergan.com or you can contact the Allergan Investor Relations Department by calling 714-246-4636.

For further details please contact:

Nicole Yost College Hill Life Sciences Tel: +44 (0) 20 7866 7855 nicole.yost@collegehill.com

Dr. Christian Zahnd, CEO christian.zahnd@molecularpartners.com Dr. Patrick Amstutz, CBO patrick.amstutz@molecularpartners.com Tel: +41 (0) 44 755 77 00

Molecular Partners Announces Collaboration with Janssen

Molecular Partners AG today announced that it has entered into a strategic research collaboration and option agreement with Janssen Biotech, Inc. to research, discover and develop DARPin® products for the treatment of immunological diseases. Under the agreement, Molecular Partners and Janssen Biotech will collaborate on research of DARPins to selected targets. During the research phase, Janssen Biotech has the right to exercise four options to exclusively license DARPin®-based products. Molecular Partners has an option to co-develop one product on a global basis. Molecular Partners will receive significant upfront fees, license payments and research funding as part of an innovative agreement, as well as development and sales milestones of up to $200 million for each option. Upon commercialization, Molecular Partners will be entitled to a tiered and up to double-digit royalty on worldwide net sales. Further, Molecular Partners retains the rights to develop assets not optioned by Janssen Biotech during the research collaboration.

Allergan and Molecular Partners enter into a license agreement for MP0112

Allergan, Inc. (NYSE: AGN) and Molecular Partners AG today announced that they have entered into a license agreement for MP0112, a phase II proprietary therapeutic DARPin® protein targeting VEGF under investigation for the treatment of retinal diseases

Under the agreement, Allergan obtains exclusive global rights for MP0112 for ophthalmic indications. The parties will work together during phase IIb development and, Allergan will be responsible for phase III development and commercialization activities. Molecular Partners will receive an up-front payment of USD $45 million and is further entitled to receive additional payments of up to an aggregate of USD $375 million upon meeting certain development, regulatory and sales milestones. In addition, Molecular Partners will receive tiered double-digit royalties on any future sales of MP0112.

Scott M. Whitcup, M.D., Executive Vice President, Chief Scientific Officer of Allergan commented: “This agreement aligns with Allergan’s strategy to become a leader in developing new treatments for retinal disease. The goal of this program is to develop a potentially more effective treatment for diseases like neovascular age-related macular degeneration with the possibility for less frequent intravitreal injections.”

Data on MP0112 from two separate phase I/IIa trials in wet age-related macular degeneration (wetAMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME) were presented at the meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) in Fort Lauderdale, FL earlier this week (May 1-5, 2011). The studies showed that MP0112 is well tolerated and has a potentially long lasting effect on vision gain after a single injection. In the studies, for most patients in the cohorts treated with the higher dose of the investigational compound, the potential beneficial effect on visual acuity lasted for approximately 16 weeks.

Christian Zahnd, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Molecular Partners commented: “This is a transformational deal for Molecular Partners, and Allergan is the ideal partner for MP0112 to build the most value out of our lead product. Further, this agreement strengthens our ability to execute on the progression of our substantial internal systemic pipeline.” 

Patrick Amstutz, Ph.D., Chief Business Officer of Molecular Partners added: “This deal validates our DARPin® platform in a clinical setting and sets the stage for additional clinical stage strategic collaborations in the near future.”

Molecular Partners reports positive results from its first clinical studies

Molecular Partners AG, a leader in the development of next generation therapeutics, announced today that it has completed two phase I/IIa clinical trials with MP0112, its lead molecule targeting VEGF-A. The DARPin molecule was shown to be safe and well tolerated in two separate Phase I/IIa trials in wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME).

Patients were recruited globally in the US and several European countries. The detailed results will be presented at the annual meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) in Fort Lauderdale, FL (May 1st – 5th).

Two parallel trials, together including 50 wet AMD or DME patients, have shown that MP0112 is safe and well tolerated when given as a single intravitreal injection. Overall, the studies have indicated that MP0112 has high efficacy and long duration of action. The therapeutic effect was demonstrated to be dose dependent and to last for most of the patients of the higher dose cohorts for 16 weeks and beyond after a single injection of MP0112.

MP0112 was engineered to have a long ocular half-life and fast systemic clearance. Thus, it has the potential to become the best-in-class treatment of neovascular diseases of the eye, reducing the number of intravitreal injections needed as compared to current approved standard of care and possibly omitting the need for monthly loading doses.

Prof. Dr. Dr. Sebastian Wolf, Director of the Dep. of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, University Berne, Switzerland and Principal Investigator for the MP0112 wet AMD study commented: “MP0112 has been shown to be safe and well tolerated – and the potential for quarterly dosing is highly encouraging, especially without the need for monthly loading doses.”

Dr. Christian Zahnd, CEO of Molecular Partners added: “We are very pleased with the strong results and the fast progress of MP0112 bringing value to patients in less than four years from initiation of the program. The high safety and low-immunogenic potential seen in 50 patients validates the DARPin platform in general as a rich source of differentiated drugs.”

Molecular Partners has been selected as a WEF Technology Pioneer

The World Economic Forum today announced its new class of Technology Pioneers 2011. The most innovative technology startups from around the world were selected. These companies represent the cutting edge in innovation and are poised to have a critical impact on the future of business, industry and society. Molecular Partners is proud to announce it has been selected as a Technology Pioneer.

The Technology Pioneers 2011 were nominated by the world’s leading technology experts, including venture capitalists, technology companies, academics and media. The final selection of the 31 Technology Pioneers 2011 from 330 nominees was made by a panel of 68 leading technology experts appointed by the World Economic Forum.

“To be selected as one of the Technology Pioneers 2011 of the World Economic Forum is a great honor for Molecular Partners” said Dr. Christian Zahnd, CEO of Molecular Partners. “Being granted this international recognition supports us in pursuing our vision to create medicines for currently untreatable diseases and to dramatically improve existing therapies.”

Technology Pioneers must be involved in the development of a major technology and/or innovation and have the potential for long-term impact on business and society. In addition, it must demonstrate visionary leadership and show all the signs of being a long-standing and sustainable market leader – and its technology must be proven. Previous Technology Pioneers include 23andMe, Alnylam, Dr Reddy Laboratories, Google, Intercell, Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Morphosys, Mozilla, Napster and Twitter.

“The World Economic Forum is proud to recognize an outstanding group of innovative companies as Technology Pioneers for 2011,” said André Schneider, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of the World Economic Forum. “Their technologies and business models will have a durable and valuable effect in several industries and society as a whole. We look forward to their unique contributions to the mission of the Forum: improving the state of the world.”

Molecular Partners appoints Göran Ando as independent non executive board member

Molecular Partners AG, the global leader in the development of DARPins as unique next generation protein therapeutics, announced today the appointment of Dr Göran Ando as independent non-executive member of the board of directors.

Dr Ando brings considerable experience to the board of Molecular Partners, having been CEO of Celltech Group, plc. Prior to this, he was Executive Vice President and President R&D for Pharmacia, now Pfizer Inc., where he was also responsible for manufacturing, IT, business development and Mergers & Acquistions. He has also held positions as R&D Director of Glaxo Group, UK, and was a member of the Glaxo Group Executive Committee. He currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Novo Nordisk A/S and as Senior Advisor to Essex Woodlands Health Ventures. Dr Ando is a Physician and Specialist in General Medicine and is a Founding Fellow of the American College of Rheumatology in the US.

Jörn Aldag, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Molecular Partners said: “I am delighted to welcome Göran to the board of Molecular Partners. He brings with him a wealth of scientific and general management experience at a time where Molecular Partners is transitioning from a pre-clinical to a clinical stage product development company. He will prove invaluable to Molecular Partners in supporting many of our portfolio decisions as the Company continues to expand.”

Dr Göran Ando added: “This is an exciting time to be joining Molecular Partners. Having secured deals with major pharmaceutical partners, one of the largest fundraisings in Europe last year, and with their first products entering the clinic, the Company is in an excellent position, and I look forward to being part of its continued success.”

MP Progresses DARPin into First-In-Humans Clinical Studies

Molecular Partners AG, the global leader in the development of DARPins as unique next generation protein therapeutics, announced today that it has enrolled the first cohorts of patients in two separate Phase I trials in wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME).

The trials are investigating the safety and tolerability of a single intravitreal injection of MP0112, a DARPin which inhibits all relevant forms of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) with high potency. The studies will also allow a preliminary assessment of efficacy and the duration of action of MP0112.

MP0112 was engineered to have a long ocular half-life but fast systemic clearance. Thus, it has the potential to become the best-in-class inhibitor of neovascular diseases of the eye and to reduce the number of intravitreal injections needed as compared to current approved standard of care.

Dr. Michael Stumpp, CSO commented: “The need for frequent intravitreal injections is the main limitation of current approved standard of care for wet AMD. We have optimized MP0112 to reduce ocular injections to ease the burden on both patients and physician practices. We are excited to see the first ever DARPin entering clinical development. This is an important step for the development of DARPin-based therapies, and through our internal pipeline we expect to see more DARPins entering the clinic for areas of unmet clinical need.”

Dr. Christian Zahnd, CEO added: “We are delighted to start clinical development of MP0112 just 2.5 years after the initiation of the program. This is a great showcase for the capabilities of the DARPin platform and further validates its potential to fill pipelines with differentiated products.”

MP secures CHF 46 million in a Series B financing

DARPins: Targeted Protein Therapeutics Beyond Antibodies

DARPins form a novel and unique class of protein therapeutics. They combine many of the desired properties of antibody therapeutics with many of the beneficial characteristics of small molecules. DARPins have the following attributes:

  • High potency
  • High robustness
  • Allow for fast generation of multi-specific DARPins
  • High specificity/Low toxicity
  • Better tissue penetration than antibody therapeutics

This new class of molecules opens the door for transforming new drug formats.

Molecular Partners has established a robust platform to discover and develop DARPin-based product candidates targeting indications in ophthalmology, oncology and immunology. The most advanced DARPin product candidate, called abicipar pegol, is out-licensed to Allergan and is expected to enter Phase III clinical studies for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration in the second quarter of 2015 and is currently in Phase II clinical development for the treatment of diabetic macular edema. The other DARPin product candidates in the pipeline are currently being developed by Molecular Partners either on its own or together with renowned pharmaceutical companies through strategic partnerships.

Molecular Partners has the exclusive license to develop DARPin-based product candidates. The vision of Molecular Partners is to pioneer the development of DARPins to create multi-benefit therapeutics transforming the lives of patients.

MP reaches all research milestones in collaboration

Molecular Partners AG, pioneer in the development of DARPins, a novel class of therapeutic proteins, announced today that it has reached all milestones of the research phase earlier than anticipated in its ongoing collaboration with Centocor Research & Development, Inc. High potency DARPin antagonists to multiple targets were successfully selected and characterized by Molecular Partners and Centocor Inc.

In January 2008, Molecular Partners announced an agreement with Centocor, Inc. to develop innovative therapies for the treatment of various diseases with Molecular Partners being responsible for the identification of DARPins.

“We are very pleased with the rapid progress of this collaboration”, commented Christian Zahnd, CEO of Molecular Partners. “This is a significant step forward in our strategy to strengthen our proprietary pipeline with selected partnered compounds.”

Upon entering into the alliance, Molecular Partners had received an upfront payment. The company is also eligible for additional research funding and milestone payments. In addition, Molecular Partners is entitled to receive royalties on future sales of any product from this collaboration.

“The ability to rapidly deliver lead DARPins to Centocor targets with high potency is an excellent showcase of the robustness and power of the DARPin platform,” added Patrick Amstutz, CBO of Molecular Partners.

MP collaborates with Centocor Research & Development Inc.

Molecular Partners AG today announced a collaborative research and license agreement with Centocor Research & Development, Inc. The collaboration will focus on the development of DARPins (Designed Ankyrin Repeat Proteins), a novel class of therapeutic proteins to treat inflammatory diseases. Under the collaboration, Molecular Partners will apply its proprietary DARPin technology for the identification of DARPins to two undisclosed targets. Centocor will perform the preclinical and clinical development as well as commercialization of resulting products.

Molecular Partners will receive an upfront payment of $5 million, additional research funding and license fees. Further, Molecular Partners will receive FTE payments for research done under the agreement. Centocor will have exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize products discovered during the research term in exchange for future milestones. In addition, Molecular Partners is entitled to receive royalty payments on net sales of any product from this collaboration. The milestone and royalty payments compare to those of recent agreements in the field. Further details of the agreement have not been disclosed.

“This collaboration with Centocor is an important step to position our DARPin technology as a potential source of innovative drugs”, commented Christian Zahnd, CEO of Molecular Partners. “It also shows the continued execution of our corporate strategy which comprises building a broad portfolio of DARPin-based drugs, from external partnerships as well as from our own internal pipeline.”

“Centocor is a leader in the field of antibody therapeutics and has impressive biopharmaceutical capabilities,” added Patrick Amstutz, CBO of Molecular Partners, “Partners like Centocor will help us maximize the therapeutic potential of DARPins. We are delighted that Centocor has chosen DARPins as an addition to their biopharmaceutical pipeline. The dimension of this deal opens new possibilities for Molecular Partners and positions our company as highly attractive partner for the development of protein therapeutics.”