The current milestones are related to the successful progression of the program to Phase 2 studies, which explore the use of the Amira discovered FLAP inhibitor in patients suffering from asthma.
FLAP (5-lipoxygenase-activating protein) is a key component early in the leukotriene pathway, a complex signalling process that exerts control over biological processes, such as inflammation and immunity. Excessive production of leukotrienes exacerbates inflammatory diseases, such as asthma; the FLAP gene has also been linked to a significant increase in the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke.
AM103 and AM803 are Amira’s FLAP inhibitors licensed to GSK, bind to FLAP thereby inhibiting the synthesis of leukotrienes that cause inflammation.
Hari Kumar, chief business officer of Amira, said: “These milestones demonstrate the success of our partnership with GSK as well as the need for new therapies for asthma sufferers. These milestone payments enable Amira to continue to fund our highly productive research and development opportunities well into the future.”