ASLAN gets global rights to Almirall's RA drug candidate LAS186323

Singapore-based ASLAN Pharmaceuticals has gained global rights to the DHODH inhibitor, LAS186323, currently in Phase I development for rheumatoid arthritis by Spain’s largest drugmaker, Almirall (ALM: MC). Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Under the agreement, ASLAN will fund and develop LAS186323 to the end of Phase II through a development program conducted in the Asia-Pacific region. On achieving proof of concept, ASLAN will identify a global partner for Phase III development and commercialization.

“Almirall has a long history of innovative drug discovery and development and has generated a number of important compounds such as the anti-inflammatory agent aceclofenac, the anti-allergic drug ebastine and the anti-migraine almotriptan,” said Mark McHale, ASLAN’s C
chief scientific officer, noting that, “while there are several therapies available for rheumatoid arthritis today, physicians and patients continue to look for safer, more effective and more accessible therapies.”