Access to reap the benefits of licensing deals

USA-based Access Pharmaceuticals says that its agreements relating tothe canker sore treatment amlexanox could generate some $6.7 million in licensing fees, milestone payments and research support payments for the company.

Payments have already commenced, noted the firm, with around $5.2 million remaining to be received, principally based on milestone achievements. Access has licensed marketing rights to amlexanox for this indication in the European Union (excluding Austria), Scandinavia, the Baltic States, Canada, Columbia and Switzerland.

Commenting on the significance of amlexanox, Chief executive Kerry Gray said: "we have accomplished our objective of licensing amlexanox throughout Europe prior to product approval... Although the upfront and milestone licensing revenues are meaningful to the company, the potential royalty stream from these license agreements is expected to be significantly more lucrative."