The collaboration is designed to advance Vasomune’s peptide-based Tie2 receptor agonist program, initially for the treatment of critical care indications, including Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (“ARDS”), into clinical development.  ARDS is a critical care indication with a significant unmet medical need as there are currently no approved therapeutics. The parties expect to initiate clinical trials in 2020. With such a foundational mechanism involved in multiple disease states, the parties have the option to co-develop the compounds for additional indications associated with vascular dysfunction and leakage.  These indications include asthma, atopic dermatitis, glaucoma and vascular complications of diabetes.

“Vasomune is enthusiastic to combine our technology, scientific and preclinical expertise with the significant development capabilities and track record of our colleagues at AnGes through this unique partnership structure to maximize the opportunity for a Tie2 receptor agonist to benefit patients.”, stated Parimal Nathwani, president and chief executive officer of Vasomune Therapeutics. “AnGes’ commitment to developing truly novel biotherapeutic medicines directly aligns with Vasomune’s objectives.”

Under the terms of the agreement, AnGes will provide Vasomune with multi-million dollar co-development contributions including upfront and clinical milestone fees.  The initial objective of the partnership is to achieve human proof of concept in ARDS, which alone is potentially a $2.5 billion market opportunity worldwide.  The partnership provides the option for continued co-development through to commercialization including expansion to other indications.  The parties will share equally in all expenses and all proceeds including milestone and royalty payments from any third-party licensing transaction. 

Ei Yamada, president and chief executive officer, AnGes, said, “We are truly impressed by the quality of the research derived from Sunnybrook Research Institute and the unique partnership with MaRS Innovation that has created and advanced Vasomune Therapeutics. This program represents a significant commitment by AnGes to advance and develop truly innovative biotherapeutics towards commercialization for the benefit of patients.”