Atlanta-based AtheroGenics, Inc. (Nasdaq: AGIX), a pharmaceutical company focused on the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases, announced it has entered into a licensing deal with AstraZeneca for the global development and commercialization of their anti-inflammatory cardiovascular product candidate, AGI-1067. AGI-1067 is an investigational oral drug for the treatment of atherosclerosis, the underlying disease process that leads to heart attacks and strokes and is currently in Phase III development in ARISE (Aggressive Reduction of Inflammation Stops Events) trial.

Under the terms of the agreement, AtheroGenics will receive an upfront fee of $50 million and, subject to the achievement of specific milestones including a successful outcome in the ARISE trial, AtheroGenics will be eligible for development and regulatory milestones of up to $300 million. The agreement also provides for progressively demanding sales performance related milestones of up to a further $650 million. In total, if successfully commercialized, AtheroGenics will be eligible for fees and milestones of up to $1 billion. AtheroGenics will also receive stepped royalties on product sales, which reflect the late stage development status and market potential of AGI-1067.

For more information, visit www.atherogenics.com.