DBV Technologies and Nestlé Health Science collaborate to develop and commercialise a novel diagnostic test for paediatric milk allergy
Collaboration will support DBV's mission to develop transformational product candidates for the care of paediatric patients suffering from food allergies
DBV Technologies, a clinical-stage specialty biopharmaceutical company, has entered into an exclusive global collaboration with Nestlé Health Science for the development and, if approved, commercialisation of MAG1C, an innovative, ready-to-use and standardised atopy patch-test for the diagnosis of Cow's Milk allergy (CMPA) in infants and toddlers.
By leveraging its proprietary Viaskin technology platform, DBV will be responsible for developing this new pharmaceutical product candidate, and if approved by the appropriate regulatory agencies, Nestlé Health Science will support its worldwide commercialisation through its range of nutritional solutions tailor-made for babies and young children suffering from CMPA and other food allergies and intolerances.
DBV Technologies' Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Pierre-Henri Benhamou, said: 'Improving the lives of those suffering from food allergies is DBV's mission, and through this exciting partnership with Nestlé Health Science, we are further extending our portfolio of potentially transformational and cutting-edge products. Combining DBV's innovative and proprietary technology with Nestlé Health Science's global presence and expertise in nutritional therapies is a synergistic approach that we believe has the potential to improve the overall health of our patients.'
Greg Behar, CEO of Nestlé Health Science, said: 'This innovation can become the breakthrough diagnostic for CMPA. Early diagnosis and nutritional intervention helps get infants happily back on the path of healthy development, alleviate the anxieties of parents and reduce healthcare costs. Our reach in the field of paediatric allergy makes Nestlé Health Science an ideal commercialisation partner for DVB's innovative diagnostic patch. This collaboration is another step in our strategy of advancing the role of nutrition through science-based innovation.'
Under the terms of the agreement, DBV will be eligible to receive up to €100m in development, registration and commercial milestones, including an upfront payment of €10m. DBV will be responsible for performing development activities up through a pivotal Phase III clinical programme, following which Nestlé Health Science has the exclusive right to commercialise the product globally, if approved.
DBV will pay for all development-related costs of MAG1C, including a worldwide clinical programme, as well as manufacturing costs. If MAG1C is successfully manufactured by DBV, the company will receive a supply price with a mark-up from Nestlé Health Science. In addition, Nestlé Health Science will pay to DBV tiered royalties on global product sales.
This new diagnostic test is expected to be submitted for approval to regulatory authorities worldwide by 2021. CMPA is a difficult to diagnose condition that impacts up to 2-3% of infants and toddlers aged two and under during a critical stage of their development. Amongst its range of nutritional therapies across a broad spectrum of health conditions and ages, Nestlé Health Science already has a range of nutritional solutions tailor-made for babies and young children with cow's milk protein allergy and other food allergies/intolerances (Althéra, Alfaré, Alfamino).
