AEterna Zentaris Regains Rights to Macrilen from Novo Nordisk

By Adriano Marchese

AEterna Zentaris Inc. said Monday that Novo Nordisk Healthcare AG terminated its development and commercialization license agreement for an oral test used to diagnosis adult growth hormone deficiency known as Macrilen.

The dual-listed specialty biopharmaceutical company said it would regain full Canadian and U.S. rights to Macrilen, also known as macimorelin, following Novo's 270-day notice period.

In the meantime, Novo is expected to continue selling and promoting Macrilen in the U.S. and to maintain its financial support for current trials.

The license agreement for Macrilen was originally entered between Novo and AEterna's wholly owned subsidiary.

AEterna said it plans to identify new strategic development and commercialization partners.

"We are delighted to regain full control over macimorelin in the US and Canada. We have always strongly believed in the value of macimorelin and remain fully committed to our plans to continue commercialization in the U.S. and Canada as well as continuing the pediatric development in our ongoing DETECT-trial," Chief Executive Officer Klaus Paulini said.

Write to Adriano Marchese at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

August 29, 2022 08:52 ET (12:52 GMT)

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