Allergan acquires Topokine Therapeutics to focus on non-invasive fat reduction programme
Acquisition adds to Allergan's robust mid-to-late stage pipeline and reinforces its leadership in aesthetics innovation
Allergan, a leading global pharmaceutical company, has acquired Topokine Therapeutics, a privately held, clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing topical medicines for fat reduction.
Under the terms of the agreement, Allergan acquired Topokine Therapeutics for an upfront payment of US$85m and success-based development and sales milestones for XAF5, a first-in-class topical agent in late-stage development for the treatment of steatoblepharon, also known as undereye bags.
Applied to the lower eyelids once nightly, XAF5 penetrates the skin and acts pharmacologically on fat cells to shrink undereye bags. An estimated 40 million Americans have steatoblepharon, which can make the face look older, tired, stressed or sad.
In XOPH5-OINT-2, a Phase II randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial, XAF5 met the primary endpoint achieving statistically significant and clinically meaningful reductions in undereye bags. In January 2016, Topokine initiated XOPH5-OINT-3, a pivotal Phase IIb/III study of XAF5.
‘The acquisition of Topokine and its XAF5 technology adds an innovative technology to Allergan's industry leading mid-to-late stage pipeline of more than 70 programmes and bolsters our leadership in medical aesthetics,’ said David Nicholson, Executive Vice President and President, Global Brands Research and Development at Allergan. ‘XAF5 has the potential to be the first topical fat reduction product for the treatment of steatoblepharon, a condition with no current therapeutic options available for patients. We look forward to continuing the outstanding development work conducted by the Topokine team to bring this innovative medical aesthetic treatment to market.’
Murat Kalayoglu, MD, PhD, Topokine's Chief Executive Officer and a board-certified ophthalmologist, added: ‘I am deeply appreciative of the commitment and dedication of our Topokine team that has championed the discovery and development of XAF5. We look forward to working with Allergan to ensure continued development success for XAF5 and realise a successful launch of the product.’