Gilead Sciences and MicroDose Therapeutx have reached an agreement for the development and commercialization of MDT-637, a small molecule antiviral fusion inhibitor for the treatment of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The dry powder formulation is designed for pulmonary delivery using MicroDose’s proprietary DPI.
The deal includes an upfront payment from Gilead and funding for MicroDose to continue development through Phase 2a, after which Gilead may take over clinical studies. According to MicroDose, preclinical studies have demonstrated that MDT-637 blocks RSV infection, and he company plans to file an IND and begin a Phase 1 study sometime during 2011.
Gilead’s Executive Vice President, Research and Development, and Chief Scientific Officer Norbert W. Bischofberger commented, “There is an urgent need to improve upon RSV treatment and care; We believe this program aligns well with our expertise in both antiviral and respiratory drug development and we look forward to working with the MicroDose team to advance MDT-637 into clinical testing.”
Read the MicroDose and Gilead press release.
