Irish pharmaceuticals company Nabriva Therapeutics PLC and privately held Roivant Sciences will collaborate to develop and commercialize the antibiotic Lefamulin in the Greater China region.

Lefamulin met its main goal in a late-stage trial as a treatment of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia and is being studied in another phase 3 clinical trial, with results expected in the spring.

As a part of the agreement, Hong Kong-based Roivant gained an exclusive license to develop and commercialize the drug in the Greater China region, specifically the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

Roivant's affiliate will be solely responsible for all clinical development and regulatory filings necessary to secure approval in the covered territories.

In return, Dublin-based Nabriva will receive a $5 million upfront and will be eligible for up to about $90 million in additional payments tied to certain regulatory and commercial milestones.

The company will also receive royalties on sales upon approval in the covered territories.

Based on the results of the second trial, Nabriva plans to seek U.S. approval of the drug in the second half of 2018.