Theravance and GSK form COPD alliance

Theravance, based in San Francisco, CA, and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) have formed an alliance to develop and commercialise novel medicines containing long-acting Beta2 agonists (LABA) for the treatment of respiratory diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The alliance will develop novel compounds, which can be administered once daily, improving on current generation LABAs.

Under the terms of the agreement the LABA compounds from GSK and Theravance will be pooled for development and eventual commercialisation. A joint steering committee will be formed to optimise the development of the compounds and their time to market. GSK will have the responsibility to develop and commercialise one or more of the pooled compounds for use as a single agent and/or in combination medicines, utilising GSK's proprietary drug delivery technology. GSK will also have exclusive, worldwide manufacturing and commercialisation rights. Two of these compounds have already entered Phase I studies.

In return, Theravance will receive an initial US$50m (Euro 48m) from GSK, consisting of payment for an issuance of Preferred stock in Theravance and an upfront payment. Theravance will also receive clinical, regulatory and commercial milestone payments. Based on the continued successful development and commercialisation of its compounds in the pool as single agents and/or in combination medicines, these payments could range up to $495m (Euro 472m), of which $150m (Euro 143m) is attributable to the compounds reaching certain sales thresh-olds.

In addition, Theravance will receive double-digit royalties on product sales of medicines containing any compound in the pool, regardless of the compound's origin.

'This collaboration will help us to maintain our leadership role in the respiratory field. We are eager to develop the compounds pooled by Theravance and ourselves with the objective of providing the next generation of respiratory medicines,' said Tachi Yamada, Chairman, research & development, GSK.

'Our alliance with GSK represents an innovative collaborative approach,' said Rick E Winningham, ceo of Theravance. 'By combining the respiratory formulation, development and commercialisation expertise of GSK with Theravance's unique ability to discover and develop best-in-class medicines utilising our multivalent approach, the two companies can create medicines that make a difference by improving patient outcomes for people who suffer from asthma or COPD.'