Trevena and Forest Labs collaborate on TRV027 for acute heart failure

US GPCR ligand drug developer Trevena and Forest Laboratories (NYSE: FRX) have entered into a collaborative licensing option agreement for the development of TRV027, an AT1R biased-ligand that recently completed Phase IIa clinical trials. Trevena expects to commence a 500-patient multicenter Phase IIb clinical trial in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) by year end.

Specific terms of the transaction were not disclosed but the agreement includes a $30 million equity investment by Forest in Trevena and the grant by Trevena to Forest of an option to exclusively license TRV027 on a worldwide basis following completion of the planned Phase IIb clinical trial which will be funded by Trevena. The parties will establish a joint development committee to oversee the development of TRV027 with Trevena retaining operational authority during the option period.

Up to $430 million payable after exercise of option