Liquidia Corporation and Pharmosa Biopharm announced that they have entered into an exclusive licensing agreement for the development and commercialization in North America of L606, an inhaled, sustained-release formulation of treprostinil currently being evaluated in a clinical trial for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease (PH-ILD). As already observed in the ongoing Phase 3 open-label study of PAH patients, Pharmosa's novel liposomal formulation offers potential to improve patient convenience and compliance with twice-daily dosing using a short-duration, next-generation nebulizer. More importantly, the company believe that the inhaled drug-device combination may provide best-in-class treprostinil exposure over a 24-hour period, including during sleeping hours, which could translate to improved efficacy, tolerability, and patient outcomes.

Under the agreement, Liquidia will be responsible for development, regulatory and commercial activities of L606 in North America. Pharmosa will manufacture clinical and commercial supplies of L606 and support Liquidia in establishing a redundant global supply chain. In consideration for these exclusive rights, Liquidia will pay Pharmosa an upfront payment of $10 million, potential development and sales milestone payments of up to $215 million tied to PAH and PH-ILD indications, and two tiers of low, double-digit royalties on net sales of L606.

Pharmosa will also receive a $10 million milestone payment for each additional indication and additional product approved. Liquidia retains the first right to negotiate for development and commercialization of L606 in Europe and other territories should Pharmosa seek a partner, subject to satisfaction of certain conditions as set in the license agreement. Liquidia intends to seek first regulatory approval of L606 in the United States under the 505(b)(2) regulatory pathway.