Pfizer and Adolor collaborate on pain drugs

Both compounds are proprietary Delta opioid receptor agonist candidates with the potential to treat a wide range of inflammatory, neuropathic and acute pain conditions.

The terms of the agreement provide for Pfizer and Adolor to share revenues and expenses 60/40% in the US. Outside the US, Pfizer will fund development activities and, on commercialization, Adolor will receive royalties on Pfizer net sales.

Adolor will receive an upfront, non-refundable payment of $30 million, plus $1.9 million reimbursement for prior Phase II development costs. Adolor may also receive payments of up to $232.5 million upon the achievement of development and regulatory milestones for its Delta compounds. More than 50% of these milestones may be earned prior to regulatory approval of the compounds, with the first milestone payment available to be earned on commencement of Phase IIb clinical studies.

The companies will form a joint steering committee to guide the development and commercialization of products resulting from the collaboration. Pfizer will be responsible for securing regulatory approvals and commercialization on a worldwide basis.

ADL5859 is in a Phase II development program exploring its analgesic efficacy in inflammatory pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis and acute post-dental surgery pain. Additional programs are planned to evaluate ADL5859 in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and osteoarthritis. Adolor expects to begin Phase I clinical testing of ADL5747 in the first quarter of 2008.

Martin Mackay, president of global research and development at Pfizer, said: “This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to executing against the R&D plan we outlined, including expanding our Phase II portfolio with a strong focus in our key therapeutic areas.”