Vectura Group plc, an industry leading inhalation CDMO, today announces that it has signed a global out licence and development agreement with Kinaset Therapeutics Inc. for the development and commercialisation of VR588, a preclinical novel inhaled pan-JAK inhibitor for the prevention and treatment of severe asthma.

Pan-JAK inhibitors have been developed and tested in clinical trials, approved and commercialised for many different indications but mainly for the treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions associated with an overactive immune response. VR588 was previously developed by Vectura as part of its former speciality pharma pipeline. This agreement provides an opportunity for Vectura to realise value from its historical research and investment in VR588, whilst expanding its CDMO development services portfolio by supporting the product’s further development with Kinaset.

Under the terms of the agreement, Kinaset’s lead development programme will be an inhaled product for severe asthma delivered through a dry powder device.  Vectura will provide fee for service development expertise to Kinaset to formulate this product to support Phase I studies, and ultimately through to commercialisation. Vectura will grant a license to Kinaset to develop and commercialise VR588, in return for development and sales milestones, and future royalties. Kinaset may pursue VR588 products in other indications and Vectura would be entitled to milestones and royalties on future products.

Will Downie, Chief Executive Officer of Vectura, commented: “We look forward to working closely with Kinaset to support their development of this product, with the potential to bring a new treatment option to asthma patients in the future. This agreement is in line with our CDMO strategy to leverage our deep expertise, built through years of research in inhaled drug development, to help customers bring new inhaled therapies to market.”