Under this collaboration, the companies are developing novel therapies for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). After nominating the first candidate drug AZD1419, expected to enter Phase I clinical development in the second half of 2009, Dynavax and AstraZeneca currently are working on a second candidate drug and this extension includes research funding for a third candidate drug.
The first candidate drug AZD1419 utilizes Dynavax’s immunostimulatory sequences technology (ISS) and represents a new strategy for the treatment of allergic respiratory diseases such as asthma.
Dynavax and AstraZeneca have previously entered into a potential $136 million research and licensing agreement to discover, develop, and commercialize novel therapies for the treatment of asthma and COPD.
AstraZeneca is responsible for the development and worldwide commercialization of any products arising out of the research program. Dynavax is eligible to receive a total of $136 million in payments and, upon commercialization of these products, royalties based on product sales and the opportunity to co-promote in the US.