Vical acquires novel antifungal from Astellas

USA-based Vical (Nasdaq: VICL) saw its share leap 11.1% to $0.96 in after-hours trading yesterday, after it revealed that it has expanded its infectious disease portfolio with the addition of a novel antifungal, ASP2397, in-licensed from Japanese drug major Astellas Pharma (TYO: 4503).

ASP2397 represents a potential new class of antifungal compounds to address invasive Aspergillus infections, which are major causes of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients, including transplant recipients. ASP2397 is differentiated by a new mechanism of action and has a low propensity for P450 drug-drug interactions. In preclinical studies to date, it has demonstrated faster fungicidal activity than marketed drugs and activity against azole-resistant fungal pathogens. As part of the agreement, Astellas, which is also Vical's partner for the ASP0113 CMV vaccine program in transplant recipients, will become a shareholder in Vical.

"It is exciting to see a novel antifungal with preclinical data showing potent and rapid fungicidal activity, and low potential for drug-drug interactions. Such a drug could become a treatment of choice for front-line therapy of invasive fungal infections," said John Perfect, chief of Division of Infectious Diseases at Duke University Medical Center, quoted by Vical.