Gilead Sciences has licensed three preclinical antiviral programs from Novartis, including investigational agents with the potential to treat human rhinovirus, influenza and herpes viruses. Novartis will receive an upfront payment and is eligible to receive up to an additional $291 million in potential milestone payments upon achievement of certain development and commercial milestones as well as royalties on annual net sales, according to Gilead.

Under the agreement, Gilead will acquire exclusive global rights to develop and commercialize novel small molecules against three undisclosed targets.

Gilead’s antiviral portfolio includes medicines for the treatment of HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C, as well as influenza infection.

Source: Gilead Sciences