Novartis will be responsible for further development of AD 237 both as monotherapy and in combination with QAB149, its once-daily, long-acting beta2 agonist currently in phase II clinical development.
Developed to date through a joint venture between Arakis and Vectura, AD 237 is a once-daily, long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA ) with a fast onset of action. The compound is in phase II trials for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and studies have thus far demonstrated that it is well-tolerated and effective over 24 hours after a single dose.
Under the terms of the agreement, Arakis and Vectura will receive an initial payment and additional milestone payments based upon the achievement of agreed clinical, regulatory and commercialisation targets. In addition, royalties on product sales will be paid for both the monotherapy and combination products.
“With this agreement, our late stage pipeline now contains two promising bronchodilator drugs, QAB149 and AD 237 for the treatment of COPD,” said Joerg Reinhardt, head of development at Novartis. “Both products have significant therapeutic potential, either as single agents or combination therapies.”
The news has already sent Vectura’s shares up by over 2%.