GSK licenses anti-IL-33R antibody for severe asthma from Janssen
GSK plc has entered into an agreement with Janssen to license CNTO 7160, a monoclonal antibody in early clinical development for severe asthma. The deal covers all therapeutic fields.
GSK plc announced on July 27, 2016, that it has entered into an exclusive, worldwide license agreement with Janssen Sciences Ireland UC (Janssen) for CNTO 7160, an anti-IL-33R monoclonal antibody in Phase I clinical development.
The biological therapy works by preventing interleukin-33 from binding to the ST2 receptor (IL-33R). This mechanism holds potential for treating a broad spectrum of severe asthma populations, as human genetic evidence links the IL-33 pathway to asthma and the regulation of inflammatory cells important in the disease.
Under the terms of the agreement, GSK will assume worldwide development, manufacturing, and commercialization responsibilities. Janssen will continue to run the ongoing Phase I study to completion. Janssen is set to receive up to £175 million, including an upfront payment, development and first commercial sales milestones, and tiered royalties.
Dave Allen, Head of Respiratory R&D at GSK, stated that significant unmet needs remain for patients with severe asthma, despite current treatments for milder forms. He added that the IL-33 receptor antibody complements GSK's diverse R&D portfolio of targeted biological therapies for respiratory diseases.