Shire signs $190 million deal for preclinical CNS drug

21 March 2012

Ireland-headquartered drugmaker Shire (LSE: SHP) has exercised its exclusive option to license a novel adenosine A2A antagonist discovered by UK-based Heptares Therapeutics that is currently in preclinical development.

Under the terms of the deal, Heptares grants Shire an exclusive licence to worldwide development and commercial rights to A2A antagonists discovered by Heptares. Heptares receives upfront option grant and exercise payments and is also eligible to receive future development and commercial milestone payments up to $190 million plus royalties on product sales. Further terms of the agreement are not being disclosed.

Adenosine A2A is a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) involved in the regulation of dopaminergic pathways in the brain. Inhibition of the A2A receptor is a validated mechanism in the treatment of CNS disorders.

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