Serono and Syntonix to pursue the development of long-acting, inhaleable therapy to treat infertility

Second Agreement Between Companies Builds on Interferon-beta SynFusion Program

19-Sep-2006

Serono and Syntonix Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced that they have entered into an agreement under which the companies will evaluate Syntonix' FSH:Fc SynFusionTM products for further development. Syntonix' SynFusion and TransceptorTM technologies may enable the development of a long-acting FSH therapy for the treatment of infertility that can be inhaled and dosed less frequently, instead of injected daily.

Under the terms of the agreement, Syntonix has provided Serono with an exclusive option to license exclusive, worldwide rights for the development and commercialization of Syntonix' FSH:Fc SynFusion drugs. Serono will decide whether to exercise the option after further evaluation of the FSH:Fc candidates. Serono will pay Syntonix a collaboration and option fee. If Serono exercises the option, Syntonix will receive an additional upfront license fee and will be eligible for milestone fees (total fees worth up to $54 million) as well as royalties upon commercialization. Additional financial terms were not disclosed.

According to the company, Syntonix' SynFusion technology links the Fc region of an antibody to a drug in a novel manner, resulting in long-acting therapeutic proteins or peptides that can be dosed less frequently. Syntonix' Transceptor technology uses the FcRn transport pathway to enable the pulmonary delivery of its novel SynFusion drugs with high systemic bioavailability. Syntonix' pulmonary drug formulations allow patients to breath normally using existing marketed inhaler devices.

https://www.bionity.com/en/news/57994/serono-and-syntonix-to-pursue-the-development-of-long-acting-inhaleable-therapy-to-treat-infertility.html