Singapore: ASLAN Pharmaceuticals has obtained the global rights to Almirall's DHODH inhibitor, LAS186323, currently in phase I development for rheumatoid arthritis.Under the agreement, ASLAN will fund and develop LAS186323 to the end of phase II through a development program conducted in the Asia-Pacific region. Upon achievement of proof-of-concept, ASLAN will identify a global partner for phase III development and commercialization. Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

"Almirall has a long history of innovative drug discovery and development and has generated a number of important compounds such as the anti-inflammatory agent aceclofenac, the anti-allergic drug ebastine and the anti-migraine almotripan" said Dr Mark McHale,CSO, ASLAN. "While there are several therapies available for rheumatoid arthritis today, physicians and patients continue to look for safer, more effective and more accessible therapies."

"We are very pleased to have a collaboration such as this with ASLAN on Almirall's early stage asset LAS186323. ASLAN has an experienced team and unique model that can leverage its high quality, innovative and efficient clinical development capabilities to continue generating value on the compound while Almirall focuses on its core R&D strategy" commented Mr Bertil Lindmark, CSO, and executive director, R&D, Almirall.