Clinigen Group plc (AIM: CLIN) has acquired the global rights to Proleukin (aldesleukin, recombinant interleukin-2) outside the United States from Swiss-based Novartis International AG (VTX: NOVN), the pharmaceutical company announced on Tuesday.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Proleukin is licensed in around 20 countries and is primarily indicated for use in metastatic renal cell carcinoma, as well as for metastatic melanoma in certain markets. The drug is also currently being investigated in clinical trials at varying dose levels and in combination with other licensed and developmental pharmaceutical products.

Clinigen said it will seek to revitalise sales of Proleukin by working with healthcare professionals to ensure its benefit to patients is well understood and by making the drug available to those who need it. The company is also investigating the opportunity to develop new dosage presentations and potential product combinations.

Clinigen views Proleukin as a good fit with its current Commercial Medicines portfolio of products in the oncology and infectious disease therapy areas.