GSK licenses second FLAP inhibitor from Amira

Under the terms of their worldwide exclusive agreement, UK drug major GlaxoSmithKline intends to exercise its right to a second FLAP compound, AM803, from the originator, USA-based Amira Pharmaceuticals.

Under the original agreement, GSK has rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize Amira's 5-Lipoxygenase-Activating Protein inhibitors for the treatment of respiratory and cardiovascular disease. The decision to develop AM803 follows the successful completion of a Phase I study by the US firm, which demonstrated its potential as a once-daily FLAP inhibitor.

Earlier this year (Marketletter February 11), GSK bought exclusive rights to several early-stage drug candidates from Amira in a deal that could be worth up to $425.0 million to the San Diego, USA-based firm.