Xentria and Meitheal Collaborate on Breakthrough Lung Disease Treatment
Xentria, a pharmaceutical company based in Chicago, has signed a significant licensing agreement with Meitheal Pharmaceuticals to develop and commercialise an experimental drug to treat pulmonary sarcoidosis. The deal, valued at up to $680 million, highlights the growing interest in finding effective treatments for this rare lung disease, particularly among women and African American patients.
Under the terms of the agreement, Xentria will retain the marketing rights for the drug, XTMAB-16, outside of North America, while Meitheal Pharmaceuticals will have exclusive rights to commercialise the drug in North America.
XTMAB-16 is Xentria's lead candidate, a monoclonal antibody set to enter Phase II clinical trials later this year. The collaboration between the two companies aims to leverage their respective strengths and expertise to accelerate the development of XTMAB-16 as a potential therapeutic option for pulmonary sarcoidosis.
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Pulmonary sarcoidosis is a condition characterised by the formation of granulomas in the lungs, leading to inflammation and potential damage. Current treatment options for the disease primarily involve symptomatic steroid therapy. However, XTMAB-16 offers the potential to address the underlying causes of the disease and provide a more targeted and effective treatment approach.
The licensing agreement involves an upfront payment of $45 million from Meitheal to Xentria, with an additional payment of up to $35 million upon drug submission and approval. Xentria could also receive milestone payments totalling $600 million, and upon reaching $600 million in royalty payments, the intellectual property associated with XTMAB-16 will be transferred to Hong Kong King-Friend Industry Co., the parent company of Meitheal Pharmaceuticals.
This collaboration between Xentria and Meitheal Pharmaceuticals represents a significant step forward in the development of a potential treatment for pulmonary sarcoidosis. Kirsten Anderson, COO at Xentria, stated, "The collaboration will leverage the strengths of both companies to accelerate the development of XTMAB-16.” She went on to note that the partnership also “validates compelling pre-clinical data and the potential of XTMAB-16 to fill the existing treatment gap in pulmonary sarcoidosis as we enter the first trial in patients living with the condition.”
Both companies aim to expedite the clinical development and commercialisation of XTMAB-16 by pooling their resources and expertise. If successful, this drug could emerge as one of the few therapeutics specifically designed to target and treat pulmonary sarcoidosis.
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