Ario Pharma acquires PharmEste’s TRPA1 research assets

Cambridge, UK-based biopharma company Ario Pharma says it has acquired the TRPA1 antagonist research program previously owned by privately-held Italian firm PharmEste.

The acquired assets include a series of small molecule TRPA1 antagonists, patents, know-how and data that adds significantly to Ario Pharma’s existing TRPA1 chemistry portfolio. The TRPA1 target has been shown to have application across inflammatory diseases including asthma, cough, COPD and pain. No financial details of the transaction were revealed.

Seeking development partners

Ario Pharma is planning to undertake a TRPA1 lead optimization project, focusing on orally available TRPA1 antagonist small molecules for treatment of asthma. The chemistry from PharmEste has already demonstrated excellent in vivo efficacy in pain models. Ario Pharma is actively seeking partners for its TRPA1 program, for all indications.