Genfit SA’s global development and commercialization deal with Ipsen Pharma SA for phase III-stage elafibranor in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) – plus a separate arrangement for rights to an asset earlier in development from Genoscience Pharma SA – represent “the logical next steps in the implementation of a strategy that we outlined to you about 18 months ago,” Genfit CEO Pascal Prigent said during a conference call with investors.

Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co. Ltd., its U.S.-based subsidiary Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. have inked a global collaboration agreement to jointly advance four new compounds for serious neuropsychiatric conditions. Sunovion granted Otsuka rights to collaboratively develop and commercialize the four compounds worldwide. In return, Sunovion will receive an up-front payment of $270 million and up to $620 million in development milestone payments for the agents, with the potential for more depending on additional indications. It could also receive sales milestones from Otsuka.