LEO Pharma Acquires AstraZeneca Assets

LEO Pharma has entered an agreement with AstraZeneca to acquire the global license to tralokinumab in skin diseases and the exclusive license to brodalumab in Europe. Tralokinumab, an anti-IL-13 monoclonal antibody, has completed a Phase IIb study for the treatment of patients with atopic dermatitis. Brodalumab is an IL-17 receptor monoclonal antibody under regulatory review for patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.
 
AstraZeneca will receive $115 million upfront and is eligible to receive as much as $1 billion in commercial-related milestones and a percentage of royalties on sales. AstraZeneca will manufacture and supply tralokinumab to LEO Pharma and will retain all rights to tralokinumab in respiratory disease and any other indications outside of dermatology.
 
“LEO Pharma has secured a unique position to help people with skin diseases as a result of our strategic partnership with AstraZeneca, a global healthcare company at the forefront of science-led innovation. By expanding our portfolio to include both biologics and topicals, LEO Pharma is set to become the world dermatology leader – offering the most diverse range of treatment solutions to meet the individual needs of people with skin diseases,” said Gitte Aabo, president and chief executive officer, LEO Pharma.
 
Luke Miels, executive vice president, Global Product and Portfolio Strategy, AstraZeneca, said, “This agreement allows us to concentrate our efforts on tralokinumab’s potential for patients with severe asthma, a priority area for AstraZeneca, while benefitting from LEO Pharma’s expertise in dermatology for the continued development and commercialization of tralokinumab in atopic dermatitis and other dermatology conditions.”