GlaxoSmithKline and Targacept form alliance in therapeutics for CNS-related disorders

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and US-based Targacept have entered into a strategic alliance to discover, develop and market novel therapeutics that selectively target specified neuronal nicotinic receptors (NNRs).

The alliance includes Targacept's lead product candidates for pain: TC-2696, which is currently in a Phase II trial for acute post-operative pain; and TC-6499, a preclinical product candidate that is currently planned for development for neuropathic pain. Targacept has retained an option to co-promote TC-2696 and TC-6499 for pain to specialists and hospital-based physicians in the US.

The alliance also provides GSK with access to discovery programmes across four other therapeutic focus areas: smoking cessation, obesity, addiction, and Parkinson's disease.

Under the terms of the agreement, GSK will make an initial upfront payment of US$35m to Targacept. In addition, Targacept is eligible to receive up to $1.5bn in payments from GSK, contingent on the achievement of specified discovery, development, regulatory and commercial milestones across five therapeutic focus areas, as well as tiered double-digit royalties dependent on sales achieved.

In the alliance, Targacept will utilise its proprietary Pentad drug discovery technology to discover novel small molecule product candidates that target specified NNR subtypes and then would develop the most promising product candidate for each therapeutic focus area through a Phase II proof of concept trial.

Upon Targacept's achievement of clinical proof of concept for a lead product candidate for a particular therapeutic focus area, GSK would have an exclusive option to license product candidates in development in the alliance from that programme. GSK would then assume full responsibility for funding of further clinical development and commercialisation on a worldwide basis.

GSK will participate in the alliance through its Center of Excellence for External Drug Discovery (CEEDD). "This alliance provides us with access to innovative science and pioneering research and expertise in the promising NNR field," said Dr Hugh Cowley, senior vice president and head of the CEEDD. "We believe there is tremendous potential for NNR therapeutics for a variety of CNS-related diseases and disorders, and look forward to working with Targacept to accelerate the development and delivery of new medicines to patients."