Collaborative research agreement

Aciex Therapeutics has entered into a collaborative research agreement with Portola Pharmaceuticals that provides Aciex with exclusive rights to develop Portola’s small molecule dual Spleen Tyrosine Kinase (Syk)/Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors for ophthalmic indications. “The Portola library includes both compounds with extensive preclinical systemic data packages as well as earlier stage research compounds. The two companies will target development of drugs to treat topical ophthalmic diseases, including ocular allergy, dry eye and other inflammatory eye conditions, for which there is a strong scientific rationale for Syk and JAK inhibition,†said an Aciex spokeswoman. Under the terms of the agreement, Aciex will obtain access to Portola’s small molecule dual Syk/JAK inhibitors and will lead clinical development activities for ophthalmic indications. Both companies will fund and participate in development activities related to the programmes. Portola retains the right to develop these compounds for nonophthalmic indications.

http://aciexrx.com