AstraZeneca and Nektar Therapeutics have entered into an agreement for two drug development programmes: NKTR-118, a late stage investigational product being evaluated for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation, and the NKTR-119 programme, an early stage programme that is intended to deliver products for the treatment of pain without constipation side effects.
Both programmes were developed by Nektar, utilising their proprietary small molecule advanced polymer conjugate technology platform.
As per the agreement, AstraZeneca would be responsible for the development of both the NKTR-118 and NKTR-119 programmes, including the initiation of late-stage clinical studies for NKTR-118. AstraZeneca expects completion of the design of the phase III programme in the near term, and anticipates filing the drug with regulators in 2013.
AstraZeneca would also be responsible for manufacturing and marketing for both programmes. Under the agreement, Nektar would receive an upfront payment of $125m for both NKTR-118 and NKTR-119.
NKTR-118 has completed a phase 2 clinical trial and is being developed to treat constipation caused by the use of opioid pain products. NKTR-119 is an early stage drug development programme that is intended to combine oral NKTR-118 with selected opioids, with the goal of treating pain without the side effect of constipation traditionally associated with opioid therapy.
David Brennan, CEO of AstraZeneca, said: “NKTR-118 is an important late stage programme that has the potential to address a real need for patients. We are excited about this agreement with Nektar, as it provides us the opportunity to apply our deep knowledge and expertise in neuroscience, oncology and gastrointestinal areas of medicine to create real value for patients.”