Vectura, Kinaset Partner to Develop Asthma Treatment

Vectura Group plc, an inhalation CDMO, has signed a global license and development agreement with Kinaset Therapeutics Inc. for the development and commercialization of VR588, a preclinical novel inhaled pan-JAK inhibitor for the prevention and treatment of severe asthma.

VR588 was previously developed by Vectura. This agreement provides an opportunity for Vectura to realize value from its research and investment in VR588, while expanding its CDMO development services portfolio by supporting the product’s further development with Kinaset.

Kinaset’s lead development program will be an inhaled product for severe asthma delivered through a dry powder device. Vectura will provide fee for service development to formulate this product to support Phase I studies, and ultimately through to commercialization. Vectura will grant a license to Kinaset to develop and commercialise VR588, in return for development and sales milestones, and future royalties. Kinaset may pursue VR588 products in other indications and Vectura would be entitled to milestones and royalties on future products.

Will Downie, Chief Executive Officer of Vectura, commented, “We look forward to working closely with Kinaset to support their development of this product, with the potential to bring a new treatment option to asthma patients in the future. This agreement is in line with our CDMO strategy to leverage our deep expertise, built through years of research in inhaled drug development, to help customers bring new inhaled therapies to market.”