Janssen, MBS Link For Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapy
Drug development firm Modern Biosciences announced that it has inked an R&D partnership and global option and license agreement with Janssen for its novel bone-protective compounds for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
MBS’ novel bone-protection program is made up of a series of orally available small molecules which has shown promise in reducing rheumatoid arthritis. The compounds work through a novel mechanism of action to reduce inflammation and bone damage linked with RA as well as reverse bone damage. The company licensed the program in 2007 from a spin-out firm from the University of Aberdeen. The most advanced of the compounds will advance into early-stage clinical development in 2015.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, progressive, and debilitating auto-immune disease that afflicts 165 million people, or approximately one percent of the global population. RA affects any joint in the body but is commonly observed to target the hands, feet, and wrists. As a systemic disease, RA also affects internal organs, such as the heart, eyes, and lungs. The disease is characterized by rapidly progressing swelling and damage to the cartilage and bone around the joints.
Under the terms of the agreement, Janssen will pay MBS an upfront fee as well as milestone payments of up to £176 million. MBS will also be eligible to receive royalties on future sales of any products resulting from its launch and marketing.
Sam Williams, CEO of MBS, said, “We are delighted to be working with Janssen to progress our novel series of compounds. MBS’ compounds have unique characteristics compared to existing treatments for rheumatoid arthritis and we believe Janssen is an ideal partner with which to take the molecules forward.”
In October, Janssen announced that it completed its acquisition of privately held, clinical stage Alios BioPharma for approximately $1.75 billion. The acquisition gives Janssen access to investigational therapies for viral infections including rhinoviruses and influenza.