By Dean Seal


Gilead Sciences Inc. and EVOQ Therapeutics Inc. said Tuesday that they are teaming up to advance the latter company's proprietary technology for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

The two companies have signed a licensing agreement to collaborate on the preclinical development of EVOQ's NanoDisc technology, which is designed to enable lymph-targeted delivery of disease-specific antigens.

Gilead has the option to exclusively license rights to the technology to pursue product candidates targeting rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Gilead will also be responsible for clinical development and commercialization, the companies said.

Under the agreement, EVOQ could receive up to $658.5 million in upfront, option exercise and milestone payments, as well tiered royalties on product sales. Gilead said the deal is expected to have a minimal effect on its earnings.


Write to Dean Seal at dean.seal@wsj.com


(END) Dow Jones Newswires

01-03-23 0907ET