Lilly and Nektar Therapeutics to develop new autoimmune therapy

Lilly has announced a new partnership with Nektar Therapeutics that will focus on the development of a new immunology treatment.

The strategic collaboration will see the companies working to co-develop NKTR-358, a novel immunological therapy discovered by Nektar. This compound has the potential to treat a number of autoimmune and other chronic inflammatory conditions.

Having achieved a first human dose with the drug in phase I clinical development during March 2017, Nektar will receive an initial payment of $150 million (115.06 million pounds) to co-develop NKTR-358 with Lilly.

Nektar will be responsible for completing phase I clinical development, with both parties sharing phase II development costs. Nektar will then have the option to participate in phase III development on an indication-by-indication basis.

Dr Thomas Bumol, senior vice-president of biotechnology and immunology research at Lilly, said: "NKTR-358 is an exciting addition to our immunology portfolio and reinforces Lilly's commitment to sustain a flow of innovative medicines in our pipeline."

The compound is a potential first-in-class resolution therapeutic that may address underlying immune system imbalances by targeting the interleukin receptor complex in the body to stimulate proliferation of powerful inhibitory immune cells known as regulatory T cells.

With over 20 years of experience within the pharmaceutical market, we at Zenopa have the knowledge, skills and expertise to help find the right job for you. To find out more about the current pharmaceutical roles we have available, you can search for the latest job roles, register your details, or contact the team today.