Chiesi Farmaceutici Spa acquires Atopix Therapeutics for some Euros 75 million and with it OC 459 in Phase II development to treat eosinophilic asthma

Chiesi Farmaceutici Spa announced that it has signed a definitive agreement for the acquisition of Atopix Therapeutics Limited, a UK clinical stage biotechnology company developing novel treatments for asthma. Under the terms of the agreement, Chiesi will acquire all outstanding shares of Atopix, its assets and business for a total amount, inclusive of development, regulatory and commercial milestones,that could exceed �75 million. The acquisition of Atopix includes OC 459, an orally-adminstered CRTh2 antagonist currently in Phase II trials to evaluate the clinical benefit in patients with severe asthma who have persistent airway eosinophilia, despite treatment with high doses of inhaled corticosteroids and ATX 2417, a back-up candidate, which has completed a Phase 1 human safety study. This acquisition enhances Chiesi�s pipeline in respiratory disorders, particularly in eosinophilic airways diseases. Targeting the CRTh2 receptors blocks the host response to allergen and reduces eosinophilic airway inflammation which plays a key role in the manifestation of chronic respiratory disease leading to exacerbations. Around 40% of asthma patients are known to have eosinophilic disease. Patients with eosinophilic asthma tend to have more severe disease, with a proportion having persistent airway eosinophilia despite treatment with high inhaled corticosteroids and remaining at risk of a serious exacerbation requiring hospitalisation