Parion and Gilead strike deal to advance pulmonary disease drugs

The agreement grants Gilead worldwide commercialization rights to P-680 for the treatment of diseases including cystic fibrosis (CF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and non-CF bronchiectasis.

In addition, the companies will collaborate on a research program to identify other promising ENaC blocker-based drug candidates utilizing Parion’s proprietary ENaC-based chemistry platform.

According to the terms of the agreement, Gilead will provide an upfront payment of $5 million for the license and make an additional $5 million investment in Parion. In addition, under the license, Gilead will supply research funding and may make payments upon achievements of certain milestones resulting in a potential deal value of approximately $146 million. Parion will perform the IND-enabling studies for P-680 and will transition development responsibilities to Gilead during the Phase I clinical trial period.

ENaC inhibitors are therapeutic agents that stimulate and maintain hydration on the body’s mucosal surfaces, including those on the lung, mouth, nose, eye and gastrointestinal tract. Parion says restoring the hydration of mucosal airway surfaces addresses the fundamental problem that produces infections in both acquired and genetic forms of chronic lung disease, including COPD and CF.

“Gilead is committed to building a pipeline of novel respiratory therapeutics to advance the care of patients suffering from life-threatening diseases, and this partnership complements our program for development of aztreonam lysine for inhalation for treatment of CF-related lung infections,” said A. Bruce Montgomery, senior vice president, head of respiratory therapeutics, Gilead Sciences.