Inhale in four deals

INHL announced PEGylation deals with Pharmacia (PHA), Eyetech (New York, N.Y.) and 3-Dimensional (DDDP), and a pulmonary drug delivery deal with Unimed. INHL acquired the PEGylation technology through its 2001 acquisition of Shearwater (Huntsville, Ala.).

INHL disclosed an ongoing collaboration with PHA to use its PEGylation for PHA's CDP870 antibody fragment against TNF alpha to treat rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease. CDP870 is in Phase II trials for both indications. PHA acquired the compound from Celltech (LSE:CCH; CLL) in 2001. Eyetech will use INHL's PEGylation technology with its EYE001 PEGylated aptamer to treat age related muscular degeneration. The product is in Phase II/III testing. Enzon (ENZN) said it is eligible for royalties or a share of profits on sales of the PEGylated products CDP870 and EYE001 under ENZN and Shearwater's cross licensing agreement. The deal was part of a patent infringement suit settlement. ...