Synta gets $25M milestone under elesclomol accord with GSK

The USA's Synta Pharmaceuticals has achieved operational milestones triggering $25.0 million in payments from UK drug major GlaxoSmithKline under its collaboration agreement for the development and commercialization of elesclomol. The novel, oxidative stress-inducing, small-molecule drug candidate is currently undergoing Phase III investigation in metastatic melanoma in the SYMMETRY trial, with studies in other indications planned. Synta is eligible to earn a further $25.0 million in operational payments prior to full enrollment in the SYMMETRY study. Following completion and analysis of the data, the US firm could get an additional $25.0 million if the trial meets the primary endpoint or if the companies agree to file for regulatory approval. In addition to the above mentioned $75.0 million, the deal could earn Synta a further $585.0 million in milestones related to melanoma ($145.0 million) and other cancers ($440.0 million).