Genentech to Acquire Rights to Inotek Drugs

Genentech Inc. agreed to pay as much as $605 million to Inotek Pharmaceuticals Corp. for rights to experimental cancer and heart drugs designed to help repair DNA.

Closely held Inotek, based in Beverly, Mass., will receive $20 million upfront and as much as $405 million in additional payments for rights to the compound INO-1001 and related drugs, Genentech said. Genentech also obtained an option worth as much as $200 million for using the treatment on heart conditions.

Shares of South San Francisco-based Genentech rose $1.64, or 2%, to $82.01.