AZ, Circassia to share rights to two COPD therapies

AstraZeneca plc (LSE:AZN; NYSE:AZN) agreed to share rights to two chronic obstructive pulmonary disease therapies with Circassia Pharmaceuticals plc (LSE:CIR). Circassia is to lead promotion of AZ's Tudorza Pressair aclidinium bromide in the U.S., and may opt to acquire full U.S. rights. Circassia will also obtain full U.S. rights to Duaklir Pressair aclidinium bromide/formoterol fumarate.

FDA approved Tudorza in 2012. The pharma said it expects Duaklir, which is approved in Europe, to be submitted to FDA in 2018. Both products are delivered via the Pressair inhaler, marketed in some countries as Genuair...