GSK and Synta announce oncology collaboration

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Synta Pharmaceuticals have announced a joint development and commercialisation collaboration for STA-4783, indicated for use in treatment of metastatic melanoma.

The small-molecule, oxidative stress inducer is currently entering Phase III clinical trials and under the agreement both companies will work together to continue its development.

Safi Bahcall, president and chief executive officer at Synta, expressed his delight over the agreement and illustrated the shared vision that two companies have regarding STA-4783.

He added: “We are confident that this agreement will allow STA-4783 to achieve its full potential as a novel therapeutic option for treating cancer.”

While both companies will share responsibility for development and commercialisation in the US, GSK will have exclusive responsibility of STA-4783 outside America.

Synta is to receive an upfront payment of $80 million (40 million pounds) and will also be eligible to receive milestone payments of up to $135 (67 million pounds) in the lead-up to possible approval of the molecule for metastatic melanoma.

There will also be further commercial milestone payments available to Synta in relation to net sale thresholds.

This week, GSK announced that Andrew Witty, current president of Pharmaceuticals Europe for GSK, will join the company as chief executive officer designate when Dr Jean-Pierre Garnier retires in May next year.