Array BioPharma, Asahi Kasei Pharma collaborate for novel pain and inflammation program

Array retains the right for all compounds for all indications outside of Asia. Within Asia, Array retains the right to cancer indications for all compounds, excluding those compounds being developed by Asahi Kasei Pharma, including ARRY-954.

TrkA is the highest affinity receptor for Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and is widely expressed on peripheral pain sensing neurons. Activation of the TrkA pathway by NGF has been implicated in the pathogenesis of many difficult to treat human pain conditions such as osteoarthritis pain, chronic low back pain, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, cancer pain and interstitial cystitis.

Preclinical studies have demonstrated that blocking the NGF/TrkA signaling axis with small molecule kinase inhibitors blocks peripheral pain responses in relevant in vivo models representing a variety of high unmet need human pain conditions.

ARRY-954 is a potent, orally available, small molecule inhibitor of TrkA. Owing to its allosteric mechanism of TrkA inhibition, ARRY-954 achieves very high levels of selectivity over other members of the Trk kinase family as well as other off-target kinases. In preclinical studies, ARRY-954 has demonstrated inhibition of peripheral pain responses in a variety of in vivo models representing difficult to treat human pain conditions.

Under the terms of the agreement, Array will receive an upfront payment of $12 million, is entitled to receive up to $64 million if certain development and commercialization milestones are achieved, and is eligible for up double-digit royalties. Asahi Kasei Pharma will have exclusive rights to develop and commercialize products in Japan, Korea, Taiwan and China for pain, inflammation and other non-cancer indications.

"We are excited to partner our TrkA for inflammation/pain program with Asahi Kasei Pharma," said Ron Squarer, Chief Executive Officer, Array BioPharma.

"Asahi Kasei Pharma is committed to advancing the program into clinical development which will unlock its potential future value."

Asahi Kasei Pharma has substantial clinical development experience in the pain field, particularly in the field of musculoskeletal pain. Asahi Kasei Pharma promotes Elcitonin for pain with osteoporosis and was previously involved in co-promoting the anti-inflammatory drug Voltaren with Novartis in Japan.

Asahi Kasei Pharma is strongly committed to developing and commercializing compounds in the chronic pain field as its next major therapeutic area.