Addex and Indivior extend GABAB research collaboration

Switzerland-headquartered biotech Addex Therapeutics (SIX: ADXN) today announced that its collaboration agreement with UK-based Indivior (LSE: INDV) for discovering and developing novel oral gamma-aminobutyric acid subtype B (GABAB) positive allosteric modulator (PAM) drug candidates has been extended until March 31, 2023.

As part of the amended agreement, Indivior will provide Addex with 850,000 Swiss francs (~$900,000) of additional research funding. The reserved indications, where Addex retains exclusive rights to develop its own independent GABAB PAM program, have also been expanded to include chronic cough, in addition to the rights to develop certain retained compounds for Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1A neuropathy (CMT1A) and pain. Addex shares were up 5.8% on the news this morning.

“We have advanced the GABAB PAM program into the late stage of clinical candidate selection and are currently selecting compounds for entry into IND enabling studies for both Indivior’s program in substance use disorder and Addex’s independent programs for CMT1A, chronic cough and pain,” said Mikhail Kalinichev, head of translational science of Addex. “This additional research funding demonstrates the progress made to date in identifying novel GABAB PAM drug candidates and reflects the promise this mechanism of action has to bring significant benefit to the quality of life of patients,” he added.