Johnson & Johnson and Vectura to Collaborate on Asthma / COPD Agreement
Johnson & Johnson and Vectura have announced a new partnership to develop anti-inflammatory therapies for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Vectura, who are respiratory specialists, confirmed that the collaboration will primarily focus on a Phase II treatment, but may also include additional clinical-stage candidates.
Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen Biotech division will lead the development programmes, while Vectura will be responsible for the pharmaceutical development and preparation for the Phase II clinical trials.
Financial terms have not been disclosed, but Vectura noted that the deal comprises of upfront and development milestones, alongside a tiered royalty.
Vectura’s Chief Executive, Chris Blackwell, noted that Vectura’s role is to apply their expertise in the development of products for airway-related diseases, and to utilise their technology / device platform offerings.
Blackwell added that Vectura, who already has other agreements in place with Novartis, GlaxoSmithKline and UCB, “continues to be viewed as a partner of choice by companies seeking to address the unmet medical needs of patients with airway diseases.”