Trevena grants Forest option
Trevena Inc. (King of Prussia, Pa.) granted Forest Laboratories Inc. (NYSE:FRX) an exclusive option to license worldwide development and commercialization rights to Trevena's TRV027, which has completed a Phase IIa trial for acute heart failure. By year end, Trevena plans to start a Phase IIb trial in acute decompensated heart failure, which it will fund. Forest can exercise its option after completion of the trial, which is expected in 2015. If Forest exercises its option, Trevena is eligible for up to $430 million in milestones, plus royalties. TRV027 is a dual-acting ligand that inhibits angiotensin-mediated G-protein signaling and stimulates beta arrestin signaling via the angiotensin II type I (ATI) receptor ( AGTR1).
Trevena is developing a portfolio of GPCR ligands that activate or block specific signaling pathways mediated through individual GPCRs. Trevena hopes its approach -- in contrast to traditional ligands, which turn on or off all the signaling pathways engaged by a specific receptor -- will provide greater specificity, leading to enhanced efficacy and/or decreased side effects (see BioCentury, June 21, 2010). ...