Allergan and Molecular Partners have expanded their existing relationship by entering into two separate agreements to discover, develop and commercialize proprietary therapeutic DARPin products to treat ophthalmic diseases.
The first agreement calls for the design, development and commercialization of a potent dual anti-VEGF-A/PDGF-B DARPin (MP0260) and its corresponding backups to treat age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and related ailments.
The second agreement, called discovery alliance agreement, will allow both companies to design and develop DARPins against selected targets that cause serious eye diseases.
Allergan Research and Development executive vice president and chief scientific officer Scott Whitcup said the company is committed to develop new treatments for serious eye diseases like AMD.
''We look forward to further developing a novel therapy that blocks both VEGF and PDGF, as a potential way to improve vision in patients with wet AMD," Whitcup added.
Under the alliance, Allergan will keep the right to exercise three options during the research phase to license collaboration compounds for ophthalmology, while the Molecular Partners will receive combined upfront payments of $62.5m alongside additional success-based payments.
Molecular Partners chief executive officer Christian Zahnd said to the partnership generates a strong pipeline of DARPin-based drug candidates with the goal to treat retinal and other severe ocular diseases.
''This significant expansion of our agreement together with the fast progress in the ongoing phase IIb development of AGN-150998 / MP0112 is a great validation of the DARPin approach," Zahnd added.
