ASLAN announces a global license agreement with Almirall for LAS186323 in rheumatoid arthritis

On May 21, 2012 ASLAN Pharmaceuticals Pte Ltd reported that global rights to Almirall’s DHODH inhibitor, LAS186323, currently in Phase 1 development for rheumatoid arthritis, have been granted to ASLAN Pharmaceuticals (Press release, ASLAN Pharmaceuticals, 21 21, 2012, View Source [SID:1234512880]).

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Under the agreement, ASLAN will fund and develop LAS186323 to the end of Phase 2 through a development program conducted in the Asia-Pacific region. Upon achievement of proof of concept, ASLAN will identify a global partner for phase 3 development and commercialisation. Financial terms were not disclosed.

"Almirall has a long history of innovative drug discovery and development and has generated a number of important compounds such as the anti-inflammatory agent aceclofenac, the anti-allergic drug ebastine and the anti-migraine almotripan" said Dr Mark McHale, ASLAN’s Chief Scientific Officer. "While there are several therapies available for rheumatoid arthritis today, physicians and patients continue to look for safer, more effective and more accessible therapies."

"We are very pleased to have a collaboration like this with ASLAN on Almirall’s early stage asset LAS186323. ASLAN has an experienced team and unique model that can leverage its high quality, innovative and efficient clinical development capabilities to continue generating value on the compound while Almirall focuses on its core R&D strategy" commented Bertil Lindmark, CSO, Executive Director R&D of Almirall.

About LAS186323

LAS186323 is a novel potent and selective inhibitor of the DHODH enzyme that has shown in vitro antiproliferative activity in several cellular models and good in vivo efficacy following oral administration. LAS186323 is a second generation DHODH inhibitor that exhibited no signs of hepatotoxicity or hypertension in laboratory animals. In a single ascending dose study in healthy volunteers, linear pharmacokinetics have been observed with the absence of adverse effects. ASLAN will continue the clinical development of LAS186323 in rheumatoid arthritis.