GSK acquires respiratory candidate

pharmafile | February 4, 2010 | News story | Research and Development Apeiron, GlaxoSmithKline, respiratory 

GlaxoSmithKline has acquired exclusive rights to a biotherapeutic enzyme developed for use against Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).

The move adds to its existing respiratory diseases portfolio, which includes asthma and COPD treatment Seretide.

GSK will pay Austrian biotech company Apeiron upfront and milestone payments that could reach £216 million if the candidate, APNO1, can be brought to market in multiple indications.

Hans Loibner, chief executive of Apeiron, added: “We are very pleased that we could attract GSK, one of the world’s top pharmaceutical companies, to license this exciting project.

“I am convinced that Apeiron’s know-how in this area, together with the extensive development and marketing capabilities of GSK, are the best way forward to bring an innovative therapy to patients worldwide.” 

Currently in phase I development, APNO1 (recombinant human Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2, rhACE2) is an artificial human enzyme developed to counter-act an imbalance of the naturally occurring ACE2 enzyme.

Its primary indication is for ARDS, an acute lung problem rising from infections with influenza viruses. It currently affects several million and has a mortality rate of 30-50% and there is as yet no approved treatment.

Milestone payments could reach £207 million in the event of its launch in multiple indications and Apeiron will receive an up-front payment of £11 million in cash and equity investment as well as royalties on net sales. 

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