Vectura and UCB to Collaborate and Share Expertise in Severe Inflammatory Disease

Vectura Group plc and UCB have entered into a collaboration for the development of an innovative biologic immunomodulatory product in the area of severe inflammatory respiratory disease.

The collaboration aims to leverage Vectura's expertise in the pharmaceutical and clinical/regulatory development of inhaled therapeutics with UCB's biologics and immunology assets. The collaboration will focus on bringing to clinical proof-of-concept a UCB-generated biological therapy targeting a key molecule in the immune system.

The companies will jointly manage the programme, with UCB focusing on bioprocess and preclinical development and Vectura taking responsibility for the pharmaceutical and clinical development of the dry powder product through to clinical proof-of-concept.

Financial terms of the collaboration have not been disclosed.

Dr Chris Blackwell, Chief Executive of Vectura commented: "Vectura's growth depends in large part on its ability to remain at the cutting edge of development of products targeting airways-related disease. This is a significant collaboration that combines the innovative and development strengths of Vectura and UCB, and mitigates the cost and risk of development of novel products, in line with our stated strategy."

Dr Mark Bodmer, Vice President UCB New Medicines, Head of Immunology said: "There is significant unmet need that is driven by disorders of the immune system. By bringing together UCB's biologics and immunology expertise and Vectura's disease know-how and technologies, we hope to bring relief to people suffering from these severe illnesses worldwide. We are very pleased to be working with Vectura for the unique opportunity created by combining our expertise."