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Lorus Therapeutics Announces Exclusive Multinational License Agreement with Zoticon Bioventures for Virulizin

Agreement includes upfront, milestone and royalty payments on future sales

10 Apr 2008 - Lorus Therapeutics Inc. announced today that its subsidiary GeneSense Technologies, Inc. has signed an exclusive multinational license agreement with Zor Pharmaceuticals LLC formed as a subsidiary of Zoticon Bioventures Inc., a research-driven biopharmaceutical group, to further develop and commercialize Virulizin(R) for human therapeutic applications. The initial clinical development of Virulizin(R) under the agreement will be in advanced pancreatic cancer.
 
Under the terms of the agreement, GeneSense will be entitled to receive payments in excess of US$10 million upon achievement of various milestone events and royalties that vary from 10-20% depending on achieving of sales of Virulizin(R) and subject to certain other adjustments. In addition, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lorus, Pharma Immune Inc. will receive 25% of the initial equity in Zor Pharmaceuticals. Pharma Immune's equity will not be subject to dilution on the first US$5 million of financing in Zor Pharmaceuticals. Thereafter, Pharma Immune has, at its option, a right to participate in any additional financings to maintain its ownership level. In addition, GeneSense has entered into a Service Agreement with Zor Pharmaceuticals to assist in the transfer of knowledge and establish a strong foundation for moving forward with the development program for Virulizin.
 
Zor Pharmaceuticals will be responsible for the cost of all the clinical development, regulatory submissions and commercialization of Virulizin(R) in North and South America and Europe. GeneSense will retain rights in all other countries, including Japan, Australia and New Zealand.