Future of second-generation fusion inhibitors less certain as Trimeris and Roche separate

On 15 March 2007, Trimeris issued a press release announcing that a new agreement with Roche will return of all rights to joint patents and other intellectual property related to next-generation HIV fusion inhibitor peptides to Trimeris. In return, Trimeris has agreed to pay Roche a nominal royalty on future net sales of TRI-1144 up to a specified limit.

Roche has agreed to return the rights to all intellectual property that Trimeris originally licensed to Roche under the 1999 agreement, with the exception that Roche retains an exclusive license to manufacture and sell T-20 (enfuvirtide, Fuzeon) worldwide.

The commercial arrangement between Roche and Trimeris governing enfuvirtide sales remains unchanged.

Trimeris now has the sole right to continue development of TRI-1144 and the press release states that the company is currently reviewing its strategic options regarding this program. Roche retains the right to conduct research on certain HIV gp41 fusion inhibitor peptides at Roches cost for a specified period of time. Trimeris retains the right to opt-in and co-develop with Roche any one of these peptides under a 50-50 cost and profit split worldwide.

Source: Trimeris press release, Trimeris and Roche Amend Research Agreement Covering Next-Generation HIV Fusion Inhibitors.15 March 2007