Stiefel, a GSK company, enters agreement with Welichem Biotech, Inc. to acquire a novel topical agent for psoriasis and atopic dermatitis

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, North Carolina, May 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Stiefel, a GSK (NYSE:GSK) company, and Welichem Biotech, Inc. (WBI:CN), have entered into an agreement for the acquisition by Stiefel of exclusive development and commercialization rights to the novel anti-inflammatory agent, WBI-1001, in all territories outside of China, Taiwan, Macao and Hong Kong.  WBI-1001 is currently in Phase II clinical development for the treatment of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. The transaction is subject to approval by Welichem shareholders.

Welichem will receive an initial payment of CAD$35 million and is eligible to receive additional milestone payments upon achievement of certain clinical development milestones and upon commercialization in certain countries following marketing approval from the corresponding regulatory agencies.

Under terms of the agreement, Stiefel has also received a conditional right to acquire further exclusive rights to develop and commercialize WBI-1001 in China, Taiwan, Macao and Hong Kong, collectively.  Upon satisfaction of certain conditions, Welichem will receive an additional payment of CAD$15million. 

"I'm delighted to build upon Stiefel's clinical pipeline of novel dermatology assets with the acquisition of WBI-1001," said Barbara White, Senior Vice President and Head of Research and Development, Stiefel. "We have a strong commitment to patients with skin conditions and are excited to undertake development of this innovative agent."

About WBI-1001: WBI-1001 is a novel, non-steroidal, topical anti-inflammatory new chemical entity (NCE) that has demonstrated efficacy and safety in Ph1 and Ph2 clinical trials for the treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis[i] and moderate to severe atopic dermatitis[ii] for up to 12 weeks as a single therapy.

About Stiefel, a GSK company 
Stiefel, a GSK company, is committed to advancing dermatology and skin science around the world in order to help people better achieve healthier skin.  Stiefel's dedication to innovation, along with its focus on pharmaceutical, over-the-counter and aesthetic dermatology products, has established Stiefel as a world leader in the skin health industry.  To learn more about Stiefel, visit www.stiefel.com.

Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements
Under the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Stiefel, a GSK company, cautions investors that any forward-looking statements or projections made by Stiefel, a GSK company, including those made in this announcement, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Factors that may affect Stiefel, a GSK company's operations are described under 'Financial review & risk section" in GSK's Annual Report 2011 included as exhibit 15.2 to GSK's Annual Report on Form 20-F for 2011.

References:
[i] British Journal of Dermatology; 166(4):853-60
[ii] Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology,Early View, Article first published online: 12 NOV 2011