Almirall and BioFocus agree new drug development alliance

Almirall is partnering with BioFocus on the development of a number of new therapies.

Under the terms of the agreement, BioFocus will utilise its screening technologies and compound collections to assist Almirall in the discovery of various new treatments.

Almirall will be responsible for selecting a number of targets of interest, which are intended for use in the treatment of respiratory and inflammatory conditions.

BioFocus has expressed satisfaction at the opportunity to work with one of Europe's leading pharmaceutical companies, while Almirall said it has been impressed by the sophistication of its new partner's technology platforms.

Dr Bertil Lindmark, chief scientific officer and executive director for research and development at Almirall, praised "the size, content and diversity of the available compound decks and the obvious strength and experience of the scientists that will be engaged on our projects".

This comes after the company expressed confidence that it will meet profit guidance targets for 2011 earlier this week, based on its performance in the first nine months of the year.