Sanofi licenses Kyowa's anti-LIGHT MAb in deal worth up to $315M

French drug major Sanofi-Aventis has licensed the global rights to Kyowa Hakko Kirin's anti-LIGHT fully-human monoclonal antibody, which is  presently in preclinical development and could be the first drug in its  class to treat ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, and might also be  used in further indications such as rheumatoid arthritis. Under the  terms of the deal, Sanofi has exclusive rights to develop the product  worldwide, while Kyowa retains these in Japan and in Asia. Each party  has an option to co-promote the product in the territory of the other.  Kyowa will receive an upfront payment plus milestones, the value of  which could reach $315.0 million. The Japanese firm will also be  entitled to royalties.