Vectura signs global development agreement with Dynavax

Agreement convers the clinical application of Vectura's proprietary smart nebuliser technology to deliver Dynavax's investigational immunotherapeutic agent to lung cancer patients.

Vectura's AKITA smart nebuliser will be used by Dynavax to deliver DV281, a novel Toll-Like Receptor 9 (TLR9) agonist designed specifically for local delivery to primary lung tumours and lung metastases in order to generate an anti-tumour immune response. Vectura's FAVORITE nebulisation technology combines optimising patient's inhalation technique with the effective control of the flow rate and volume of the drug being delivered. This approach maximises the efficiency of the nebulisation and enables consistent targeted drug deposition.

The AKITA device will initially be used in the development programme with a plan to move to the FOX handheld device as a next step.

The agreement covers the Phase I and Phase II development programmes and Vectura will provide devices and device related support to Dynavax which is responsible for the rest of the programme. Whilst addressing a substantial market opportunity, in these early phases the Group is eligible to receive modest milestones and development services revenues and does not expect a material impact on R&D expenditure which remains within the previous annual guidance range of £65-75m for 2017 and 2018.

James Ward-Lilley, CEO, commented: "We are pleased to announce this additional new programme leveraging Vectura's smart nebulisation device technology. The collaboration with Dynavax is an exciting innovative programme combining the development of a new treatment option for patients with lung cancer along with targeted inhaled delivery. This agreement underlines the increasing recognition of the utility of Vectura's unique smart nebuliser technology and devices by existing and potential development partners."