Dynavax Technologies has landed a $10 million upfront payment and up to $200 million in milestones for each of four development programs optioned by GlaxoSmithKline. Glaxo gets an exclusive option over four programs targeting autoimmune and inflammatory diseases such as lupus, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis. And Glaxo can exercise its option on proof-of-concept or at an earlier stage depending on certain circumstances.
The deal centers on Dynavax's programs aimed at developing inhibitors of endosomal Toll-like Receptors for immuno-inflammatory diseases. Dynavax will be responsible for early research work on the endosomal TLR inhibitors. Researchers say the preclinical data from animal model studies show the inhibitors block IFN-alpha and also reduce symptoms in multiple autoimmune diseases models.
"Dynavax is a recognized pioneer in the scientific community for its innovation of endosomal TLR inhibitors which prevent immune signaling in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases," said Jose Carlos Gutierrez-Ramos, Ph.D., head of the immuno-inflammation centre of excellence for drug discovery at GSK.
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