Cirqle Biomedical is a pre-clinical stage life science company with the goal of developing a first-in-class non-hormonal contraceptive that can help address the demand from millions of women for an effective contraceptive with minimal side-effects. Cirqle Biomedical’s approach to contraception is based on engineering mucus to leverage the natural barrier properties of cervical mucus. Cirqle Biomedical was launched in 2019 in Copenhagen, Denmark, with backing from BioInnovation Institute (BII) and RH Capital.
Today the company is announcing a new partnership with global women’s health pharma company Organon. The two organizations have entered into a research collaboration and exclusive license agreement for a novel investigational non-hormonal, on-demand contraceptive candidate.
Sandra Milligan, M.D., Organon’s Head of Research and Development shares: “As a leader in contraception, we believe it is critically important to bring forward new options for women, especially in the space of non-hormonal contraceptives, a category preferred by many with limited available options. Organon is committed to driving innovation across women’s health and collaborating with companies like Cirqle Biomedical to support early science and bring forward new solutions that address the unmet needs of women.”
Frederik Petursson Madsen, Cirqle Biomedical’s CEO adds: “This collaboration is an important opportunity to advance our preclinical research exploring this asset’s first-in-class potential. We are excited to join Organon to leverage Organon’s deep expertise in women’s and reproductive health to drive potential change for women who use contraception everywhere.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Cirqle will be responsible for conducting preclinical studies according to the mutually agreed research plan. Organon will obtain exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize the asset. Cirqle is entitled to receive a $10 million upfront payment, potential milestone payments of up to $360 million and royalties based on net sales.
