Respiratory Diseases
Asthma and allergy conditions are characterized by an imbalance in the immune system. Currently approved agents for the treatment of asthma and allergy conditions, including steroids and antibodies, are designed to suppress symptoms of allergic or asthmatic response. TLR9 agonists are designed to induce immune responses that could be useful in restoring immune system balance. In preclinical studies, Idera’s TLR9 agonists have shown improvements in multiple indices of allergic conditions.
Idera entered into a research collaboration and option agreement and a separate license, development, and commercialization agreement with Novartis International Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. in 2005 to discover, optimize, develop, and potentially commercialize TLR9 agonists that are identified as potential treatments for asthma and allergies. In 2007, Novartis opted to extend the research phase of the relationship for an additional year until May 2008.
Novartis selected QAX935 as a lead compound under this collaboration. In March 2008 Idera agreed to extend the research collaboration until December 31, 2008. The extension is anticipated to allow for the advancement of QAX935 into human clinical trials prior to the end of the research collaboration term.