C4X Discovery, AstraZeneca Enter Potential $402M COPD Alliance

C4X Discovery Holdings and AstraZeneca have entered into a licensing agreement to develop an oral treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other inflammatory and respiratory illnesses. 
 
The companies will work to develop C4XD’s NRF2 Activator program with an initial focus on COPD. C4XD will receive $2 million upfront and is eligible for preclinical milestones of as much as $16 million, as well as another $385.8 million in clinical, commercial milestones and royalties.
 
Many diseases, including respiratory diseases like COPD, are driven by inflammation. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is believed to be a regulator of cellular resistance to oxidants, controlling the expression of various antioxidant genes. As such, it plays an essential role in how cells defend against external damage and regulate inflammatory responses.
 
C4XD’s lead compounds in the HRF2 Activator program have shown the ability to activate NRF2 after oral dosing, decreasing inflammation and oxidation activity.
 
Current treatments for COPD include bronchodilators, such as beta2-agonists and anticholinergics, steroids to decrease inflammation and various combinations of these drugs.