AstraZeneca signs US$232m asthma deal with Synairgen

Published: 12-Jun-2014

SNG001 is a novel immuno-modulatory therapy for viral-induced exacerbation in asthma


AstraZeneca has signed a US$232m deal with Synairgen, to acquire the rights to a drug for treating respiratory tract viral infections in patients with severe asthma.

The Anglo-Swedish pharmaceutical company said it would pay UK-based Synairgen a $7.25m up-front fee and potential development, regulatory and commercial milestones of up to $225m for rights to the drug, called SNG001 and currently in clinical development.

Synairgen's SNG001 is an inhaled interferon beta (IFN-beta) drug that was originally invented at the University of Southampton. It supports the immune system by correcting a deficiency which makes patients vulnerable to respiratory tract viral infections.

AstraZeneca plans to start a Phase IIa study in early 2015 in patients with severe asthma, building on data from an initial Phase lla trial in a broad asthma population. SNG001 also provides the opportunity to expand the clinical programme in other pulmonary diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

'SNG001 is an innovative and targeted therapy that has, if successful, the potential to offer a step-change in the treatment of severe asthma, and possibly COPD,' said Maarten Kraan, Head of Respiratory, Inflammation & Autoimmune Innovative Medicines, AstraZeneca.

'Respiratory disease is a core therapeutic area for AstraZeneca, and a key growth platform for the company. Our approach includes addressing associated complications that patients experience, as well as developing treatments for the underlying disease.'

In addition, AstraZeneca will pay tiered royalties ranging from single-digit up to mid-teens on commercial sales. The company will also be responsible for future development costs.

You may also like