Purdue Pharma acquires VM-902A from VM Pharma for the treatment of chronic pain

Purdue Pharma L.P. announced the acquisition from VM Pharma LLC of VM-902A, a first-in-class, allosteric selective tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) inhibitor, as well as the backup compounds and associated intellectual property for the potential treatment of chronic pain. TrkA is a member of a larger family of important signaling proteins known as tyrosine receptor kinases. Selective inhibition of TrkA activation provides a new and attractive therapeutic approach to address pain symptoms.p> Under the terms of agreement, VM Pharma received an upfront payment and could potentially receive development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments, which together with the upfront payment, could total up to $213 million, as well as royalties on potential sales of VM-902A.

Comment: Purdue Pharma plans to progress the development of VM-902A immediately, with Phase II clinical trial enrollment starting in early 2016.