Circassia Ltd, a specialty biopharmaceutical company focused on allergy, today announced that it has acquired the worldwide development and commercialization rights to the novel topical therapeutic for psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, PAP-1. Circassia acquired the rights to the proprietary molecule from Airmid Inc, for an undisclosed upfront sum plus milestone payments and royalties on future product sales.
PAP-1 is one of the most potent and selective Kv1.3 inhibitors known, and has ideal topical delivery characteristics. The molecule is a highly specific immunosuppressant, acting on effector memory T-cells while leaving naive and central memory T-cells intact, and has demonstrated impressive activity in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis models when applied topically.
"PAP-1 is an ideal strategic fit with Circassia's focus on immuno-based therapeutics, and we intend to advance this novel treatment into the clinic as quickly as possible," said Dr Rod Hafner, Circassia's Vice President, R&D. "PAP-1's extremely selective immunosuppression combined with its excellent topical delivery characteristics make it the ideal candidate for a psoriasis and atopic dermatitis treatment. By specifically targeting effector memory T-cells and leaving other components of the immune system intact, PAP-1 has the potential to offer the efficacy of topical steroids while avoiding their side-effects."
"Out-licensing topical PAP-1 is a major milestone for Airmid, and we are delighted to have attracted a team of Circassia's high caliber to progress the development of this important therapeutic," said Dr George Miljanich, CEO of Airmid. "We look forward to Circassia's success, which will further validate this class of novel molecules as a highly promising source of safe and effective medicines."
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