Nuance Pharma will pay $25 million in cash, plus equity in its parent company Nuance Biotech valued at $15 million, as well as potential milestone payments worth up to $179 million to Verona Pharma for the rights to develop and market Verona’s ensifentrine inhaled PDE3/PDE4 inhibitor in mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau. According to the announcement, Nuance plans to apply to the China FDA later this year to begin clinical development of ensifentrine for the treatment of COPD later this year. Verona is currently developing nebulized, DPI, and MDI formulations of ensifentrine (RPL554) for the treatment of COPD, asthma, cystic fibrosis, and COVID-19.
Verona Pharma President and CEO David Zaccardelli commented, “We are extremely excited about the formation of this strategic partnership with Nuance Pharma to further the development and future commercialization of ensifentrine in Greater China. Nuance Pharma’s highly talented leadership team has deep experience developing and commercializing respiratory products across China and we look forward to working with them to bring ensifentrine to this important market.”
Nuance Biotech cofounder and CEO Mark G. Lotter said, “Ensifentrine is an ideal fit for Nuance Pharma’s portfolio, given our focus on developing and commercializing innovative products for the Chinese market. With proven expertise in developing and commercializing global brands, including many leading respiratory products, I have confidence in the Nuance Pharma team’s ability to develop and commercialize ensifentrine in Greater China.”
Read the Verona Pharma press release.
