Gilead Sciences and MicroDose ally on RSV drug development

Gilead Sciences has announced a new collaboration with MicroDose Therapeutx on the development of a new treatment for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

The agreement will give Gilead the rights to commercialise MDT-637, an inhalable small-molecule antiviral fusion inhibitor that is set to commence phase I clinical testing this year.

MDT-637 has demonstrated potential efficacy in blocking RSV infections during preclinical trials and is designed for delivery using MicroDose's proprietary dry powder inhaler.

Gilead will support MicroDose in developing the product through to phase IIa, after which point it will assume full responsibility for its continued clinical development.

Dr Norbert Bischofberger, Gilead's chief scientific officer and executive vice-president for research and development, said: "We believe this programme aligns well with our expertise in both antiviral and respiratory drug development."

This comes after the firm announced last month that it is allying with Yale School of Medicine on a multi-disciplinary research programme in the field of oncology.