VX-787 is an influenza A-specific, oral polymerase inhibitor designed to directly inhibit replication of the influenza A virus, including recent H1 and H5 influenza strains, based on in-vitro data.
As part of the deal, Janssen also has the rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize VX-787’s back-up compound, VX-353, for treatment of influenza.
Currently, VX-787 is in Phase II development and Vertex completed a Phase IIA trial of the compound in 2013.
Vertex has also completed a Phase IIA challenge trial, which showed significant improvements in viral and clinical measurements of influenza A infection as well as clinical proof of concept.
Janssen global therapeutic area head of Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Johan Van Hoof said: "This treatment has the potential to address a significant unmet medical need and to improve the well-being of patients everywhere."
Vertex said that VX-787 has showed potent and rapid in-vitro antiviral activity on all the company tested influenza A strains to date, including oseltamivir (Tamiflu) resistant strains.
Initial clinical assessments of VX-787 have also been promising and in Phase I studies, the molecule was well-tolerated in healthy volunteers providing a pharmacokinetic profile supportive of once-daily dosing.