Watson and Itero Join to Develop a Biologic to Treat Female Infertility

Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Morristown, NJ) has signed an exclusive, worldwide licensing agreement with Itero Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (San Mateo, CA), a venture-backed specialty biopharmaceutical company, to develop and commercialize Itero's recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (rFSH). The product currently is in preclinical development as a biosimilar molecule for the treatment of female infertility.

Product development will be managed by Watson's Eden Biodesign biologics unit in collaboration with the brand’s R&D team.

Under the terms of the agreement, Watson will pay Itero an undisclosed licensing fee and make additional payments based on the achievement of certain development and regulatory performance milestones. On successful commercialization, Watson also will pay Itero a percentage of net sales or net profits in various regions of the world. Watson will assume responsibility for all future development, manufacturing, and commercial expenses related to Itero's rFSH product.