GlaxoSmithKline transfers rights to DMD programmes to Prosensa

GlaxoSmithKline has announced that its collaborative partner Prosensa has regained rights to the drug drisapersen following the end of their alliance.

The termination of the collaboration agreement between the two companies executed in 2009 sees Prosensa regain all rights to drisapersen from GlaxoSmithKline, while retaining rights to all other programmes for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

It has been agreed that Prosensa is best-placed to continue the development of these DMD programmes, following the significant research progress the companies have made over the last four years.

Together, they have gathered the largest clinical dataset related this condition, with information set to be made available to the scientific community to help further the general understanding of DMD.

Dr Carlo Russo, senior vice-president and head of GlaxoSmithKline's rare diseases research and development unit, said: "We would like to thank everyone who participated in the studies for their contributions and patience as we worked through our analyses."

This comes after the firm divested its thrombosis brands and related manufacturing site to Aspen at the end of last month, shortly before transferring its Lucozade and Ribena drinks brands to Suntory.