ExonHit and Allergan expand collaboration

Allergan, Inc and ExonHit Therapeutics have expanded their current drug discovery collaboration until December 2011. The current agreement, focused on finding drug treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and pain as well as ophthalmic targets, was established in 2003 and, following two previous extensions due to success, was due to expire in December 2009.

The collaboration has been extended to include development of ocular antibody therapeutics through epitope discovery for immune responses. Although no specific financial terms were disclosed, it is understood that Allergan will now provide increased quarterly research funding in place of a single large payment, and that Allergan now has increased sublicensing rights in connection with any compounds discovered.

Of the compounds already identified and developed under the collaboration, EHT/AGN 0001 is completing Phase I testing for pain, and the remaining compounds are in preclinical testing.