Acute lung injury (ALI) is an inflammatory pulmonary disease mainly caused by infection. It can progress to the life-threatening condition acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). ALI/ARDS account for a high mortality rate of about 40%. Elucidating the mechanisms behind ALI/ARDS is crucial for developing new therapeutics.
Astrazeneca plc has added a dual PDE3/4 inhibitor candidate to its chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) portfolio via a deal worth up to $2.1 billion with Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd., a Sino Biopharmaceutical Ltd. subsidiary.
One company was looking to add to its royalty stream and R&D portfolio. The other was seeking strategic alternatives in the wake of clinical misfires over the last few years. In an agreement aimed at satisfying both goals, Zymeworks Inc. will acquire Theravance Biopharma Inc., paying $17 per share, or about $929 million, though the transaction is structured in a way that minimizes the former’s current capital position.
