GlaxoSmithKline opts for Traficet-EN licence

GlaxoSmithKline has announced its intentions to obtain the exclusive worldwide licence for the development and commercialisation of Traficet-EN (CCX282-B).

The compound is a CCR9 antagonist that is under investigation for its efficacy in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases, specifically Crohn’s disease.

Due to a previous agreement with ChemoCentryx, the option also incorporates two additional identified backup treatments and signifies the first product licensing opportunity resulting from the original collaboration.

Under the terms of the contract, ChemoCentryx will receive an option exercise fee of $35 million (21.7 million pounds) and may qualify for further milestone payments.

Moncef Slaoui, chairman of research and development at GlaxoSmithKline, stated: “CCX282-B may offer advantages over existing therapeutic approaches for Crohn’s disease by potentially offering reduced side effects and convenient oral dosing to patients.”

In other GlaxoSmithKline news, the firm announced last month that the European Medicines Agency issued a positive opinion of Revolade (eltrombopag).