Advertisement

If you have an ACS member number, please enter it here so we can link this account to your membership. (optional)

ACS values your privacy. By submitting your information, you are gaining access to C&EN and subscribing to our weekly newsletter. We use the information you provide to make your reading experience better, and we will never sell your data to third party members.

ENJOY UNLIMITED ACCES TO C&EN

Pharmaceuticals

GSK Inks Pain Pact...

August 6, 2007 | A version of this story appeared in Volume 85, Issue 32

GlaxoSmithKline and Targacept have entered a development pact centered around small-molecule drugs targeting neuronal nicotinic receptors (NNRs), which Targacept describes as the "volume knobs" on the nervous system. GSK will fork over a $35 million upfront fee that includes a $15 million stake in Targacept. In exchange, GSK gains access to a drug in Phase II trials for postoperative pain and a compound in preclinical studies for neuropathic pain. Targacept will also discover other compounds targeting NNRs to address five therapeutic areas: pain, smoking cessation, obesity, addiction, and Parkinson's disease. The biotech firm will develop the compounds through Phase II trials, at which time GSK will have an exclusive option to license them.

Article:

This article has been sent to the following recipient:

0 /1 FREE ARTICLES LEFT THIS MONTH Remaining
Chemistry matters. Join us to get the news you need.