ASLAN & CSL To Develop Asthma Treatment

ASLAN acquires license for CSL334, an anti-IL13 receptor monoclonal antibody for the treatment of asthma.

AsianScientist (May 21, 2014) – ASLAN Pharmaceuticals Pte Ltd has obtained a global license to develop CSL Ltd’s anti-IL13 receptor monoclonal antibody, CSL334, currently in preclinical development for the treatment of asthma.

The IL-13 receptor signalling pathway plays a critical role in allergic airway disease. CSL334 is a fully human monoclonal antibody against IL-13 receptor α1 that has been shown to block binding and signal transduction of both IL-4 and IL-13.

Under the agreement, ASLAN will fund CSL334 through to clinical proof of concept in a development program conducted primarily in Asia, targeting patients suffering moderate persistent to severe allergic asthma whose disease is not adequately controlled by existing treatments. Upon achievement of clinical proof of concept, ASLAN will identify a global partner for Phase III development and commercialization.

“Many patients with moderate and severe asthma still do not have their disease adequately controlled by current therapies, and these patients represent around half of the total burden of asthma worldwide,” said Dr. Mark McHale, ASLAN’s chief operating officer.

“Some major companies are now pursuing strategies to help these patients, many of whom live in fear of their next serious exacerbation. As one of the leaders in the biologics industry, CSL have developed a unique approach to controlling the pathways responsible for this disease.”

CSL will be entitled to share returns generated by ASLAN from partnering the project. Further financial details were not disclosed.

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Source: ASLAN Pharmaceuticals.

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