AstraZeneca signs global licensing deal with Nektar

AstraZeneca and Nektar have signed a global licensing deal for a number of drug development programmes, it has been announced.

In a statement, AstraZeneca explained that the first initiative – NKTR-118 – is a late-stage investigational product that is currently being evaluated for the management of opioid-induced constipation.

Meanwhile, the NKTR-119 programme is in its early stages and is planned to deliver products for the management of pain without constipation-related side effects.

Commenting, David Brennan, chief executive officer of AstraZeneca, said the firm is “excited” to be working with Nektar.

“It provides us the opportunity to apply our deep knowledge and expertise in neuroscience, oncology and gastrointestinal areas of medicine to create real value for patients,” he added.

Howard Robin, president and chief executive officer of Nektar Therapeutics, which recently held a conference call to discuss the partnership, stated that the organisation is “extremely pleased” to enter into the agreement.

The web broadcast of the call is available on the company’s site until October 19th.