By Fineline Cube 
Swiss biopharma BioVersys AG (SWX: BIOV) announced a research and exclusive license option agreement with Japan-based Shionogi & Co., Ltd. (TYO: 4507) to jointly advance novel ansamycin-class molecules for treating non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections. The collaboration is based on BioVersys’ BV500 program.
Financial Agreement
Under the agreement, BioVersys will receive an upfront payment of CHF 5 million (USD 6.3 million), along with near-term research funding. If Shionogi exercises its option, BioVersys could receive up to CHF 479 million in regulatory and commercial milestone payments, plus royalties on future product sales.
BV500 Program Highlights
The BV500 program is derived from BioVersys’ proprietary ansamycin chemistry platform, which has enabled the identification of multiple lead compounds with broad-spectrum anti-NTM activity (in vitro and in vivo), high oral bioavailability, and no cross-resistance. These compounds target diseases caused by Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) and Mycobacterium abscessus (MAB), including pulmonary infections. NTM lung disease requires prolonged treatment with existing therapies that often have severe side effects and limited efficacy, particularly for MAB infections, which carry a mortality rate as high as 50%.
Clinical and Financial Support
BioVersys noted that its most advanced candidate, BV100, is expected to enter Phase III trials this year. Additionally, the BV500 program has received funding support from the EU’s RespiriNTM and CF AMR Syndicate initiatives.-Fineline Info & Tech