Roche and Inovio Pharmaceuticals have entered into an exclusive worldwide license agreement to research, develop and commercialize Inovio's multi-antigen DNA immunotherapies targeting prostate cancer and hepatitis B. The licensed compounds are currently in preclinical development.

Roche acquired an exclusive license for Inovio's DNA-based vaccines INO-5150 (targeting prostate cancer) and INO-1800 (targeting hepatitis B) as well as the use of Inovio's CELLECTRA electroporation technology for delivery of the vaccines. Roche also obtained an option to license additional vaccine opportunities in connection with a collaborative research program in oncology.  Roche and Inovio will collaborate to further develop INO-5150 and INO-1800.

Roche will make an upfront payment of $10 million to Inovio and provide preclinical R&D support and payments for near-term regulatory milestones and upon reaching certain development and commercial milestones potentially up to $412.5 million. Inovio is entitled to receive up to double-digit tiered royalties on product sales.