GlaxoSmithKline has exercised an option to license inhaled therapeutics created via a particle manipulating technology developed by University of North Carolina spinout Liquidia Technologies, under a pre-existing collaboration between the firms dating back to 2012.
The move gives the UK drugs giant exclusive rights to research, develop and commercialise inhaled therapeutics derived from Liquidia’s proprietary PRINT technology – a particle engineering platform that enables precise tailoring of particle size, shape, charge, hydrophobicity and composition, which the group claims can optimise the safety and effectiveness of vaccines or therapeutics.
While financial specifics of the deal weren’t revealed, it was noted that, as a result of GSK exercising its option, Liquidia will receive an option fee, continued R&D funding and potential product-based development and regulatory milestone payments.
The firms said they plan to continue working together on advancing inhaled therapeutics into clinical studies.
