US-based Xoma has signed a regional licensing deal with the French pharmaceutical company Les Laboratoires Servier to develop and commercialise its leading anti-inflammatory drug candidate, XOMA 052, in multiple indications. Xoma will receive US$35 M upfront, and up to US$800 M in milestone payments plus tiered royalties. The companies will first develop the drug jointly for Behcet’s uveitis, a debilitating ophthalmic inflammatory condition. Xoma will retain the rights for Behcet’s uveitis and other inflammatory and oncology indications in the US and Japan. Servier will also advance the drug in diabetes and cardiovascular indications, although Xoma has the option to regain these rights in the US and Japan.