Vectura and UCB form inflammatory disease collaboration

Chippenham, Wiltshire, UK-based medical technology group Vectura has entered into a collaboration with Belgium-based pharma firm UCB to develop an innovative biologic immunomodulatory product in the area of inflammatory respiratory disease.

No financial details have been released.

The collaboration aims to leverage Vectura’s expertise in the pharmaceutical and clinical/regulatory development of inhaled therapeutics with UCB’s biologics and immunology assets.

Vectura has seven products marketed by its partners and a portfolio of drugs in clinical development, a number of which have been licensed to major pharmaceutical companies.

The collaboration will focus on bringing to clinical proof-of-concept a UCB-generated biological therapy targeting a key molecule in the immune system.

This is a significant collaboration that combines the innovative and development strengths of Vectura and UCB

The companies will jointly manage the programme, with UCB focusing on bioprocess and preclinical development and Vectura taking responsibility for the pharmaceutical and clinical development of the dry powder product through to clinical proof-of-concept.

Chris Blackwell, Chief Executive of Vectura said: 'Vectura’s growth depends in large part on its ability to remain at the cutting edge of development of products targeting airways-related disease.

'This is a significant collaboration that combines the innovative and development strengths of Vectura and UCB, and mitigates the cost and risk of development of novel products, in line with our stated strategy.'

Mark Bodmer, Vice President UCB New Medicines, Head of Immunology, added: 'There is significant unmet need that is driven by disorders of the immune system. By bringing together UCB’s biologics and immunology expertise and Vectura’s disease know-how and technologies, we hope to bring relief to people suffering from these severe illnesses worldwide.'