Shire and Heptares agree licensing deal over CNS drug

Shire has acquired the rights to an innovative new therapy for central nervous system (CNS) disorders from Heptares Therapeutics.

The agreement will see an operating company of Shire licensing a novel adenosine A2A antagonist discovered by Heptares for worldwide development and commercialisation, in exchange for payments up to $190 million (120.25 million pounds).

Adenosine A2A is a G-protein coupled receptor involved in the regulation of dopaminergic pathways in the brain.

Heptares' treatments, which are currently in preclinical development, involve an innovative new way of inhibiting this protein in order to deliver potential best-in-class performance.

Jeff Jonas, senior vice-president of research and development for specialty pharmaceuticals and regenerative medicine at Shire, said: "We look forward to a fruitful partnership with Heptares and to advancing the programme for the benefit of patients suffering from CNS disorders."

Earlier this month, the company also agreed a deal to purchase FerroKin BioSciences, a developer of innovative haematology treatments such as the iron chelator therapy FBS0701.