By Christopher P. Singer
In two separate collaboration agreements announced on
January 31, 2007, AstraZeneca has partnered with Argenta Discovery in an
effort to identify and develop improved bronchodilators, and with Palatin
Technologies to develop small molecule obesity drugs.
Argenta's press release states that the deal
includes a $21 million payment from AstraZeneca to Argenta, with the potential
for additional milestone payments that could approach $500 million, in addition
to possible royalty payments. This
alliance is aimed at identifying long acting muscarinic (M3) antagonists and
dual acting muscarinic antagonist-beta2 agonist (MABA) candidate drugs, with the
end goal of treatments for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
According to AstraZeneca's press release regarding the collaboration
with Palatin Technologies, Palatin will receive a payment of $10 million with a
potential total payment of $300 million depending upon achievement of certain
milestones and sales targets. The
collaboration will focus on identifying a lead compound from Palatin's
highly-developed melanocortin receptor obesity research program. While both companies are expected to
contribute to the scientific aspects of the program, AstraZeneca is assuming
the costs associated with product discovery, development, and commercialization. AstraZeneca says that this collaboration
underscores its commitment to developing treatments for obesity and diabetes.
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