AstraZeneca and Galderma link up for new dermatological treatments

Anglo-Swedish drug major AstraZeneca (LSE: AZN) and Switzerland’s Galderma Pharma have entered into a R&D collaboration to develop new treatments for dermatological conditions including psoriasis, acne and atopic dermatitis which significantly affect the health and quality of life for millions of people worldwide.

Under the terms of the five-year deal, financial terms of which were not revealed, Galderma - a joint venture of L’Oreal and Nestle - will have exclusive access to a number of compounds from across AstraZeneca’s portfolio to develop in dermatological indications. Initial targets for collaboration have already been identified from disease areas as diverse as oncology, inflammation and central nervous system. These will be interrogated based on translational science and pre-clinical testing to determine the ones that will progress in the collaboration.

Alain Jacot, vice president and chief scientific officer of Galderma, said: “Galderma is committed to discovering, developing and delivering innovative solutions for dermatology patients and physicians. This unique and exclusive collaboration with one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies will complement Galderma’s internal R&D efforts and significantly enhance our ability to make important new discoveries that have the potential to treat serious dermatologic disorders.”