Under the collaboration, Aciex will gain rights to develop Portola’s small molecule dual Spleen Tyrosine Kinase (Syk)/Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors for ophthalmic indications including ocular allergy, dry eye and other inflammatory eye conditions.
Aciex Therapeutics executive chairman Les Kaplan said the strategic partnership combines the company’s specific ophthalmic research and development capability with Portola’s expertise in cellular signaling pathways and medicinal chemistry to advance treatments for inflammatory ocular conditions.
"Aciex shares with Portola a common goal of using leading-edge science to develop and deliver therapies for patients who currently have limited or no approved treatments," Kaplan added.
Both companies will fund and participate in development activities related to the programs.
In addition, Portola retains the right to develop the compounds, from its Portola library, for non-ophthalmic indications.