Confluence, AOP Ink Co-Development Pact

Confluence Pharmaceuticals and AOP Orphan Pharmaceuticals AG have signed an agreement to co-develop and market Confluence’s lead candidate in development for the treatment of Fragile X Syndrome in Europe and the Middle East. AOP, based in Austria, specializes in the development of medicines for rare and complex diseases.
 
Confluence received Orphan Designation in Europe and the U.S. for its lead product. The companies also anticipate an accelerated regulatory path to approval for Fragile X Syndrome and may qualify for several benefits, including smaller clinical trial sizes, fee reductions and exemptions, prolonged market exclusivity and facilitated market access.
 
“The relationship we have established with AOP is an exciting opportunity for Confluence to leverage AOP’s knowledge and expertise in Europe and the Middle East to accelerate this breakthrough treatment for the benefit of Fragile X patients,” said Confluence president and Founder Steven Johns. Today, Fragile X patients have no approved treatment for the core social and communication impairments.
 
Dr. Rudi Widmann, chief executive officer of AOP, said, “The cooperation between AOP and Confluence will allow AOP to further its mission for finding and developing therapies for rare diseases. AOP has a unique record of developing and distributing products for rare and complex diseases, and Confluence will benefit from AOP’s access to treatment centers and its long term expertise in commercializing drugs for rare and complex diseases.”