Vectura and Pulmatrix sign branded generic tiotropium bromide development agreement
![](/46/pdcnewsitem/04/81/57/vectura.png)
Major new tiotropium bromide DPI development programme accelerated through licensing of Pulmatrix technology.
Vectura is progressing the development of a branded generic tiotropium bromide programme (VR410) for the US market, which will be accelerated through an exclusive licence agreement with Pulmatrix. Pulmatrix is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that has been developing PUR0200, its once-daily, inhalable iSPERSE formulation of tiotropium bromide for COPD patients.
Vectura's innovative dry power inhaler (DPI) device technology will be used to deliver PUR0200. VR410 is a branded generic alternative to Spiriva HandiHaler in the US.
In addition, under the agreement Vectura may develop the PUR0200 formulation in combination with one or more other APIs. This provides Vectura with the opportunity for future additional combination assets to compete in the growing US LAMA/LABA market, worth $407 million in 2016. This development will be actively pursued once the monotherapy project is established.
Pulmatrix will provide the data package for PUR0200 and assist with the transfer of development and manufacturing activities to Vectura. As part of the agreement, a technology access fee of $1 million will be payable to Pulmatrix upon successful achievement of pre-agreed pharmaceutical development criteria, which will be capitalised as an intangible asset and amortised in line with the requirements of IFRS.
Vectura will commence development immediately and then plans to license VR410 and future VR410 assets to partners who would fund the remaining development and undertake commercialisation activities. After partnering, Vectura would pay Pulmatrix a mid-teen percentage share of any future revenues that Vectura receives from partners relating to the development and sale of VR410 and VR410-related products, including any future combinations.
James Ward-Lilley, CEO, commented: "With this agreement Vectura now has active substitutable or branded generic development programmes for all the major established inhaled products in the US market. Tiotropium is one of the largest opportunities in the inhaled respiratory market and the agreement with Pulmatrix enables Vectura to accelerate its plans for both monotherapy and combination programmes. The development of inhaled generics requires specialised capabilities which are scarce in the industry but are core competencies of Vectura. Today's announcement is part of the expanded generic portfolio enabled through the merger of Vectura and Skyepharma."
Related News
-
News Ophthalmologic drug product Eylea faces biosimilar threats after FDA approvals
Regeneron Pharmaceutical’s blockbuster ophthalmology drug Eylea is facing biosimilar competition as the US FDA approves Biocon’s Yesafili and Samsung Bioepis/Biogen’s Opuviz. -
News ONO Pharmaceutical expands oncology portfolio with acquisition of Deciphera
ONO Pharmaceutical, out of Japan, is in the process of acquiring cancer-therapy maker Deciphera Pharmaceuticals for US$2.4 billion. -
News First offers for pharma from Medicare drug price negotiations
Ten high-cost drugs from various pharma manufacturers are in pricing negotiations in a first-ever for the US Medicare program. President Biden’s administration stated they have responded to the first round of offers. -
News Eli Lilly’s Zepbound makes leaps and bounds in weight-loss drug market
In the last week, Eli Lilly has announced their partnership with Amazon.com’s pharmacy unit to deliver prescriptions of Zepbound. Zepbound has also surpassed Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy for the number of prescriptions for the week of March 8.&nbs... -
News Chasing new frontiers at LEAP – The National Biotechnology Strategy Keynote
On the third day of LEAP (4–7 March 2024, Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Centre, Malham, Saudi Arabia) the CPHI Middle East team hosted the Future Pharma Forum, to set the scene for an exciting new event for the pharma community, coming to Riya... -
News Pfizer maps out plans for developing new oncology therapeutics by 2030
Pfizer dilvulges plans to investors around growing their cancer portfolio, and the drugs they will be focusing on developing after their aquisition of Seagen in 2023. -
News Generics threat to Merck’s Bridion as Hikma seeks pre-patent expiry approval
Merck has disclosed they received notice from Hikma Pharmaceuticals for seeking a pre-patent expiry US FDA approval for Hikma’s generic version of Merck’s Bridion. -
News Bernie Sanders vs Big Pharma - the latest on drug price negotiations
In a hearing in front of the US Senate, three of the biggest pharmaceutical companies in America are challenged over exorbitant prescription drug prices, with Sanders claiming their actions are limiting the population's access to affordable healthc...
Position your company at the heart of the global Pharma industry with a CPHI Online membership
-
Your products and solutions visible to thousands of visitors within the largest Pharma marketplace
-
Generate high-quality, engaged leads for your business, all year round
-
Promote your business as the industry’s thought-leader by hosting your reports, brochures and videos within your profile
-
Your company’s profile boosted at all participating CPHI events
-
An easy-to-use platform with a detailed dashboard showing your leads and performance