CAMBRIDGE, U.K. & SURESNES, France—Xention Ltd.,a Cambridge-based biopharmaceutical company specializing in the discovery anddevelopment of ion channel-modulating drugs for atrial fibrillation, and Servier,a leading independent French pharmaceutical company, have entered into a multiyearagreement for the development and commercialization of XEN-D0103, a selectiveKv1.5 modulator discovered and developed by Xention for the treatment of atrialfibrillation. 
Under the terms of the agreement, Servier hasreceived an option to acquire certain intellectual property rights and to furtherdevelop and commercialize XEN-D0103 in all territories except the United Statesand Japan—the two places where rights will be retained by Xention.
During the option period, the parties willundertake a joint program of clinical development of XEN-D0103, undertaking twoPhase II clinical studies aimed at demonstrating the efficacy of XEN-D0103 inreducing AF burden in paroxysmal AF. In addition to an upfront fee, Servierwill pay an option fee as well as a series of milestones totalling €120 million(roughly $163.5 million). When Servierexercises its option, it will be responsible for the further clinicaldevelopment and commercialization of XEN-D0103 within its territories.
XEN-D0103 is, as Xention says, "a potent andselective" blocker of Kv1.5, a potassium channel expressed in the atria, "whichrepresents an exciting new target for atrial fibrillation. Xention's unique ionchannel and cardiovascular development capabilities were critical for thediscovery and development of this innovative compound, which has been shown tobe safe and well tolerated in Phase I clinical development."
"Participating in the development of thisinnovative drug in atrial fibrillation further expands our portfolio of drugsaimed at treating various cardiac diseases and at offering patients with thisvery debilitating disease a new treatment opportunity" said Dr. JeanPhilippe Seta, CEO of Servier.
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Read MoreSOURCE: Xention news release
