Italian pharmaceutical company Zambon announced that it has paid €140 million up front for Breath Therapeutics, which is developing L‑CsA‑i inhaled liposomal Cyclosporine A for the treatment of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS). The deal includes regulatory and sales milestones that could bring the total up to €500 million.
Breath Therapeutics is a spin off of PARI Pharma and acquired the license to L‑CsA‑i from PARI in 2017. In March 2019, the company announced the initiation of two Phase 3 trials (BOSTON-1 and -2) of the nebulized therapy for BOS in March 2019. Zambon said that data from the two trials is anticipated to be available in 2021 and that it “is confident that the drug will be ready for commercialization by 2023, subject to FDA and EMA regulatory approvals.”
Zambon’s pipeline includes colistimethate sodium powder for nebulized delivery, which received QIDP and Fast Track designations for the prevention of exacerbations in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis patients with P. aeruginosa lung infections in 2018.
Breath Therapeutics CEO Jens Stegemann commented, “At Breath Therapeutics, we have established L-CsA-i as a promising therapy for the treatment of BOS, with potential to impact patient lives. In Zambon, an ethical company with a strong heritage of innovation and a genuine commitment to a patient-orientated approach, we have a partner who shares our vision and significantly strengthens our position through their infrastructure, expertise and commitment to R&D. Together with the leading international lung transplantation centers participating in our BOSTON pivotal studies, we are now in an excellent position to achieve advances in the treatment of BOS.”
Zambon CEO Roberto Tascione said, “I am proud to announce the acquisition of Breath Therapeutics. This important deal, the largest in our history, reinforces Zambon’s commitment to serve severe respiratory diseases, enhancing and broadening our offering to the healthcare system, and complements our late-stage pipeline.”
Tascione continued, “Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome is an incredibly debilitating condition. Through the combination of our geographic footprint, R&D infrastructure and relationships with the scientific communities, we are well positioned to accelerate the development of an important new potential treatment and have the expertise in respiratory and the commercial capabilities to bring the product to patients and doctors as soon as possible. As we want to identify, develop and offer innovative solutions for the treatment of severe life-altering diseases, this acquisition marks the start of a new phase for Zambon, not only for the great pipeline we’re acquiring but also for the scientific knowledge that the Breath Therapeutics team brings into our company. I look forward to welcoming and working with our new colleagues, as together we can really maximize the potential of these life-changing products.”
Read the Zambon press release.
