On March 25, 2020, Forge Therapeutics (Forge) announced that they have entered into a research collaboration and option agreement with Hoffmann-La Roche (Roche) to license a novel antibiotic for treatment of serious lung infections. Under the terms of the agreement, Roche has an exclusive option to license the antibiotic from Forge. Forge will retain control of the program prior to Roche exercising its option, at which time Roche will take over the further development. Forge is eligible to receive up to $190.5 million in total payments, including potential sales-based payments and royalties upon commercialization of the program. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati represented Forge Therapeutics in the transaction.

FG-LpxC LUNG is a novel antibiotic for the treatment of serious lung infections attributed to antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The FG-LpxC LUNG program is being developed to treat hospital-based infections, including those cited on the CDC's most urgent threats list, which commonly occur in people with weakened immune systems and chronic lung diseases.

The Wilson Sonsini team representing Forge Therapeutics in the transaction includes:

Technology Transactions
Miranda Biven
Norman Hovijitra

Patents and Innovations
Michael Hostetler
Deborah Smith
Tyler Baguley

For more information, please see Forge Therapeutics’ press release.