UCB to purchase pharmaceutical assets from Lectus Therapeutics

UCB has signed a licence and acquisition agreement with Lectus Therapeutics that will provide it with access to key pharmaceutical assets.

The arrangement pertains to drug discovery and development programmes targeting ion channels for the treatment of a specific set of central nervous system indications, with financial details remaining undisclosed.

It will also cover the provision of exclusive global rights for UCB to commercialise products discovered using Lectus' proprietary Leptics technology against a number of additional targets.

Ismail Kola, president of new medicines at UCB, said this ties in with the company's efforts to deploy innovative technology to discover new breakthrough treatments.

He added: "I feel confident it will enable us to further honour our commitment to deliver cutting-edge scientific research driven by the patient's needs."

Earlier this month, the company announced data from a new study of its bestselling rheumatoid arthritis therapy Cimzia, showing the rapid and effective performance it is able to deliver.