Shire signs licensing contract with Heptares

Adenosine A2A is a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) involved in the regulation of dopaminergic pathways in the brain.

As per the agreement Heptares receives upfront option grant and exercise payments and is also eligible to receive future development and commercial milestone payments up to $190m plus royalties on product sales.

Further terms of the agreement are not being disclosed.

Shire specialty pharmaceuticals and regenerative medicine R&D senior vice president Jeff Jonas said the company looks forward to a fruitful partnership with Heptares and to advance the program for the benefit of patients suffering from CNS disorders.