Transpire Bio Inc. has signed an exclusive license agreement with Suzhou Intragrand Pharma Co. Ltd. for ITG-1052 (lenamilast), an investigational phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor.

CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Ltd. on May 30 disclosed that the company was engaged in ongoing negotiations with unnamed, independent third parties regarding three license deals and collaborations that could total up to $5 billion combined.

Sanofi SA has exercised its option to exclusively license Nurix Therapeutics Inc.’s STAT6 program, including the drug development candidate NX-3911, an oral, highly selective STAT6 degrader.

Recludix Pharma Inc. has nominated a lead development candidate, REX-8756, an oral, selective and reversible small-molecule inhibitor of STAT6, and completed GLP toxicology studies for the compound. REX-8756 has potential for patients with type 2 immune-related inflammatory diseases.

Bronchodilators are front-line weapons against asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder. The search continues for next-generation dilators, which so far has largely produced compounds that are no better than existing ones and that often present safety problems.

Preclinical findings have shown matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP-7) inhibition confers antifibrotic effects and thus, is a promising therapeutic strategy to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Changchun Genescience Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. has presented data on the siRNA technology-based MMP-7 inhibitor GenSciP117 for treating IPF.

CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Ltd. on May 30 disclosed that the company was engaged in ongoing negotiations with unnamed, independent third parties regarding three license deals and collaborations that could total up to $5 billion combined.

Facing erosion of its mighty Eylea (aflibercept) franchise and near-term loss of exclusivity with Dupixent (dupilumab), Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. took a blow as one of two phase III trials with IL-33-blocking monoclonal antibody itepekimab failed in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The Tarrytown, N.Y.-based firm’s shares (NASDAQ:REGN) closed May 30 at $490.28, down $115.11, or 19%. Partner Sanofi SA, of Paris, saw its stock (NASDAQ:SNY) dip somewhat, too, and ended at $49.37, down $2.98. Cantor analyst Carter Gould opined that the latest news “all but [ruled] out a path forward short of a new study” with the compound.

Rhinovirus (RV) infection is among the most common respiratory infections causing exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. The high antigenic diversity of RV is a barrier to the development of effective cross-protective vaccines for RV infection.

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. has commenced IND-enabling studies with BD-9, a dual-specific multibody targeting thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and interleukin-13 (IL-13). By simultaneously blocking two key drivers of TH2-driven inflammation, BD-9 has the potential to improve outcomes for patients with conditions such as atopic dermatitis and asthma.